Bareilly: A three-day cancer screening camp titled ‘From Freedom of the Nation to Freedom from Cancer’ has been launched at SRMS Medical College and Hospital as part of the Independence Day celebrations. Organised by the R.R. Cancer Institute and Research Centre, the camp is being held from August 12 to 14 to promote early detection and awareness about cancer.
More than 100 people attended the camp on the first day and underwent screening for breast, oral, cervical, gastrointestinal, prostate and lung cancers. Free diagnostic facilities included mammography, chest X-ray, breast ultrasound, FibroScan, laryngoscopy, transvaginal ultrasound, serum PSA, HPV DNA testing, CBC, LBC and occult blood stool testing. Screening reports identified 50 people as suspected cases requiring further evaluation.
Cancer specialists Dr Piyush Kumar, Dr Manoj Kumar Tangri, Dr Shubanshu Gupta, Dr Adadi Srinivas Naidu, Dr Himanshi Khattar and Dr Disha Satya remained available for consultations until 3 pm, instead of the scheduled 2 pm, in view of the large turnout. Patients received free consultations following their screenings.
An awareness session on oral cancer was also organised at the medical college auditorium. Oncologist Dr Arvind Chauhan explained the symptoms, causes, risk factors and preventive measures associated with oral cancer.
Dr Chauhan said tobacco and smoking, including the use of bidis and cigarettes, along with excessive alcohol consumption, are among the major risk factors for oral cancer. He cautioned that despite warnings and graphic health messages on tobacco products, many people continue to ignore the risks.
He said oral cancer can affect the tongue, lips, gums, cheeks and palate. Delayed diagnosis often results in patients reaching cancer specialists only after the disease has progressed to advanced stages. He stressed that oral cancer can be treated successfully when detected at an early stage.
Dr Chauhan advised people to seek medical evaluation if they experience persistent pain, burning, a lump or thickened patch in the mouth, lips or throat; prolonged sore throat or hoarseness; difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking; a lump in the neck; swelling of the jaw; bleeding or pain in the mouth; difficulty moving the jaw or tongue; numbness in the mouth or tongue; or mouth ulcers lasting more than three weeks.
Director of the R.R. Cancer Institute and Research Centre, Dr Piyush Kumar Agrawal, said the first day witnessed participation from more than 100 people. He said the camp aims to encourage early screening and timely treatment of different forms of cancer. According to the information provided by the organisers, 20 women were found to have indications of breast cancer, while 15 patients were identified with indications of oral cancer.
On the second day, August 13, Dr Pawan Mehrotra will conduct an awareness session on uterine and cervical cancers, gastrointestinal cancers, prostate cancer and lung cancer.
The final day, August 14, will focus on breast cancer awareness among women. SRMS Medical College will also launch a dedicated Breast Clinic on August 14. The clinic will operate every Friday, with oncologist Dr Himanshi Khattar providing breast cancer screening and consultations to women.
The organisers said the three-day initiative is aimed at improving awareness, encouraging preventive screening and promoting timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Report from Bareilly by Akhilesh Chandra Saxena
