State Cancer Institute Jammu along with Health Department starts providing cancer screening facilities in Jammu District 

JAMMU, July 8: There is an increasing trend of cancer incidence and deaths due to cancer in India and according to Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) study, one in every nine Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime. The number of cancer cases in the country is projected to go up from 14.6 lakh in 2022 to 15.7 lakh in 2025 (ICMR-NCRP). Recent data of Hospital Based Cancer Registry Jammu has shown that the cases of malignancies in Jammu district are on the rise. In females, Breast Cancer is the most common malignancy followed by Cervical cancer in Jammu District. Cancer of the oral cavity is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in India affecting young and middle-aged population. For cancer prevention, early detection and widespread public awareness remains an integral part as it plays a pivotal role in effectively treating and managing cancer. 

In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and to promote the overall well-being of our community, Preventive Oncology Unit of State Cancer Institute, GMC Jammu led by Dr Bhavna Langer, Associate Professor Department of Community Medicine and Nodal Officer Preventive Oncology Unit shall be organising multiple Oral, Breast and Cervical cancer screening and awareness camps in 9 Blocks and urban wards of Jammu District. These camps shall be conducted on a fortnightly basis to provide easy access to Preventive Healthcare services with the primary goal of detecting potential Pre-cancerous conditions in their early stages and ultimately saving lives. The screening camps will offer comprehensive screening and examination services, facilitated by a team of doctors. These camps shall be held in collaboration with Department of Health services Jammu, National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases and National Tobacco Control Programme Jammu.

At these camps, along with the screening of the masses, healthcare facility assessment will also be done and comprehensive training shall be imparted to the healthcare workers  to equip them with the necessary skills to effectively screen for oral, Breast and Cervical cancer. The Healthcare workers will receive in-depth training on conducting thorough visual oral examination, Clinical Breast examination and Visual inspection after application of Acetic acid for cervical cancer screening and recognizing warning signs and symptoms of these cancers. By offering specialized training, Preventive Oncology Unit of State Cancer Institute, GMC Jammu, aims to empower healthcare workers with the latest knowledge and strengthen the skills, ensuring accurate and timely diagnosis thereby enhancing better outcomes, strengthen the overall quality of cancer screening services provided to patients and ultimately contributing to overall well-being of our communities.

The first camp was held on 8th of July 2023, at PHC Arnia in Block Bishnah of Jammu District. At this camp healthcare facility assessment and hands on training of the healthcare staff to screen Oral, Breast and Cervical cancer was provided. Awareness and screening of the participants was done by a team of doctors from the Department of Community Medicine which included Dr Bhavna Langer, Dr Kamna Singh, Dr Nahida Chowdhary, Dr Jyoti Bala, Dr Sakshi Manhas, Dr Sumaira, Dr Imran Zaffer, Dr Hemaal Koul, Dr Amani Majeed, Dr Raheel Murtaza and Dr Burhan Hameed. Dr Shamim Ahmad Choudhary BMO Bishnah and Dr Mridula Singh Nodal Officer NTCP were also present and provided an over whelming support.

The camp was organised under the guidance and supervision of Dr Shashi Sudhan Sharma, Principal and Dean GMC Jammu, Dr Rajeev Sharma Director Health Services Jammu, Dr Rajiv K Gupta, HOD Department of Community Medicine, Dr Harbaksh Singh CMO Jammu and Dr. Deepak Kumar Dy. Medical Superintendent State Cancer Institute Jammu. Preventive Oncology Unit of State Cancer Institute, GMC Jammu welcomed community members to participate in these screening camps and those who can not attend the screening camps, they should get themselves screened for oral/Breast/Cervical cancer at Preventive Oncology OPD at State Cancer Institute Jammu. Early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes and increase survival rates for individuals diagnosed with pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions.