TN to begin cancer screening in 12 districts

Chennai

In a major move to boost early cancer detection in rural Tamil Nadu, the state Health Department will soon launch an Organised Cancer Screening Programme in 12 districts. This pilot initiative, under the National Health Mission (NHM), is scheduled to begin on May 9.

The programme will be rolled out in Thiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Dharmapuri, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Theni, Madurai, Tiruchy, and Karur. Its main aim is to catch cancer at an early stage and provide timely treatment, said a senior health official.

Healthcare workers have already received training at the district level to carry out the screenings. The official noted that most cancer services are currently limited to hospitals in urban areas, making access difficult for rural populations. Many villagers either ignore early symptoms or delay treatment due to a lack of awareness or healthcare access.

This programme brings cancer screening directly to the village level, helping bridge that gap, he explained. Screening camps will be set up in each district, encouraging locals to get checked. Anyone showing symptoms will be referred to government hospitals for further care.

The selected districts were chosen based on the number of cancer cases reported in recent years. If the pilot proves effective, the programme may expand statewide.

Officials hope the effort will improve early detection, encourage regular health checks, and reduce cancer-related deaths, especially among underserved communities. This initiative is a vital step in improving rural healthcare and saving lives, the official added.