Department of Health and Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian on Friday (November 7) urged women to avail of free cancer screening tests that the government is conducting at their doorsteps.
Mr. Veerapandian along with NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha launched a campaign called ‘Special Women’s Cancer Screening Invitation’ at the Collectorate on the occasion of National Cancer Day.
The Commissioner said that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had launched the fourth phase of NCD (non-communicable disease) screening on September 17, focusing on cancer screening.
He said that based on the experience and problems faced during the third phase of NCD screening, Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav directed officials to prioritize cancer screening in the fourth phase. To spread awareness, a massive ‘Information, Education and Communication (IEC)’ campaign has been launched with posters and pamphlets distributed to all districts, he said.
Under this initiative, he said free door-to-door screening for all persons above the age of 18 covering non-communicable diseases like blood pressure (BP) and diabetes (blood sugar) will be conducted free of cost in every village across the state.
The commissioner said special attention is being paid to breast and cervical cancer screening in women. Awareness programmes, screenings and timely reporting to the nearest doctor were ensured. Based on these reports, doctors would arrange for further diagnostic tests at designated times, he said.
He said nearly 20,000 health workers have already received training in cancer screening and treatment. About 2 million suspected cases have been identified among individuals screened to date for blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, and cancer (covering 70% of the population over 18). Of these, 4,500 were referred to GGH for further investigation and 783 cases were confirmed as patients in need of cancer treatment.
“By getting tested early, every individual can definitely prevent cancer or detect it at a treatable stage,” he said, emphasizing the importance of healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes in the fight against cancer. Commissioner Veerapandian urged women not to neglect cervical cancer screening and to volunteer with ANMs and CHOs who will visit the homes of all women aged 30 and above to distribute invitations indicating the time and place of screening.
Published – 07 Nov 2025 21:31 IST
