As India braces for a projected rise in cancer cases and mortality over the next decade, early detection and awareness have become paramount.
In Kerala, a local body is pioneering a model that could revolutionise cancer care in India.
The Pothencode block panchayath, in collaboration with the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram (RCC), has launched a monthly cancer awareness and screening programme that is setting a new standard for early detection and intervention.
It is said that it could redefine how local governments approach cancer care nationwide.
The programme
The First Check Programme, launched in 2022 in collaboration with the RCC, stands out not only for its focus on awareness and screening but also for its continuity, funding allocation, and emphasis on accessibility for all residents.
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Unlike many cancer screening programmes that are sporadically organised on special days such as World Cancer Day or National Cancer Awareness Day, Pothencode’s ‘First Check’ initiative operates monthly.
The programme covers the five grama panchayats of Andoorkonam, Kadinamkulam, Azhoor, Mangalapuram, and Pothankode across 13 block panchayath divisions, ensuring a wide reach within the community.
With an annual budget allocation of ₹20 lakh, the block panchayath has committed itself to making cancer screening a regular, accessible service for its population.
R. Anil Kumar, chairman of the Health and Education Standing Committee of Pothencode block panchayath, explained to South First, the programmes’ distinct approach.
“This programme is funded by us, from our own fund. To our knowledge, no other local body has launched an initiative like this. What we usually see are special camps on specific days, but regular follow-up is missing. In our programme, we ensure that individuals suspected of cancer can go through additional screenings without financial hurdles,” he shared.
According to him, the very idea is to ensure that cost doesn’t become a barrier for individuals seeking further testing or treatment.
In the event of a positive preliminary screening for cancer, patients are issued a diagnostic card and a letter from the block panchayath member, enabling them to access advanced diagnostic services at RCC free of charge.
“Our partnership with RCC ensures that when further testing is recommended, funding isn’t a barrier for anyone. This financial safety net encourages community members to prioritise their health without worrying about expenses,” Kumar added.
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Since its inception, the programme has screened thousands of women, with hundreds referred to the RCC for further evaluation.
While 15 cases of cancer have been confirmed, the early detection has significantly improved the chances of successful treatment.
Breaking barriers for access and awareness
One of the most notable aspects of the First Check programme is its emphasis on inclusivity.
The programme’s provisions ensure that socioeconomic status does not limit access to screening or further diagnostics.
The block panchayath’s pre-arranged funds with RCC remove financial obstacles, creating an environment where residents of all backgrounds can access potentially life-saving services without the usual financial strain.
Each resident identified as needing further testing is provided with the diagnostic card issued by the block panchayath and a letter that guarantees free diagnostic services at RCC. This system ensures that recommended screenings are not neglected due to costs, which can often be prohibitive.
Screening focused on high-impact cancers
The First Check program targets three of the most prevalent cancers that can be screened without complex procedures: oral cancer, breast cancer, and cervical/uterine cancers.
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These cancers are not only common but also highly treatable when detected early, making the programme’s focus on these types especially effective in reducing mortality.
Dr. Jayakrishnan R, of the Division of Community Oncology at RCC, emphasised the significance of early intervention.
“Early detection can make a substantial difference in cancer care. The Kerala government has been moving toward a decentralised cancer control model, and Pothencode’s initiative aligns well with this goal. This programme is an excellent model that can be replicated at the state or even national level to bring cancer screening closer to the people,” he told South First.
While cancer itself is difficult to prevent outright, especially with evolving lifestyle risk factors, Dr. Jayakrishnan highlighted the programme’s ability to reduce mortality rates, address cancer-related issues, and lower out-of-pocket expenses.
Early detection, he noted, is crucial for achieving these goals.
Results and impact
The results of Pothencode’s programme have been encouraging, say the concerned.
Since its inception, 33 cancer screening camps have been held, with around 4,000 women participating. Of these, 499 were recommended for further testing at RCC, and 15 were diagnosed with cancer.
Such statistics illustrate the impact of regular, accessible screening on early diagnosis and treatment. Anil Kumar attributes much of the program’s success to the dedication of local health workers.
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Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), along with family health center personnel, health inspectors, Junior Public Health Nurses, and other field-level workers, play an integral role in raising awareness about the programme.
They work tirelessly to spread accurate information on the importance of early detection, overcoming common misconceptions that still surround cancer.
“There are still many in our community who believe that cancer is untreatable or even contagious. Dispelling these myths is an essential part of our work, so that people have the courage and knowledge to attend these screenings,” Kumar explained.
A National model in the making?
With the growing burden of cancer in India, the need for replicable, community-based cancer control programs has never been greater.
Pothencode’s First Check programme demonstrates that local bodies can play a transformative role in public health, particularly in cancer care.
Health officials stated that by prioritising regular, well-funded screenings and making it accessible to all, Pothencode has developed a sustainable model that could serve as an inspiration for other local governments.
Dr. Jayakrishnan expressed hope that such initiatives would gain traction beyond Kerala.
“The initiative by Pothencode is commendable, and if emulated on a larger scale, it could significantly improve cancer-related outcomes. This kind of programme doesn’t just provide early detection—it has the potential to reshape the entire approach to cancer care by focusing on decentralisation and accessibility,” he noted.
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As cancer awareness continues to grow, programmes like Pothencode’s First Check could become critical in reducing the disease’s impact, especially in rural areas. By putting early detection within reach for all, the block panchayath has created a path that other regions across India can follow to improve cancer outcomes and empower communities with the knowledge and resources to fight this pressing health issue.
A study published in the journal BMC Cancer, which estimated the burden of cancer incidence and mortality in India based on global burden of disease study 1990–2021, suggests that while new cases and deaths are expected to rise, improvements in treatment and early detection might reduce the long-term impact of cancer.
It also underscores the need for enhanced preventive measures, early detection, and improved treatment strategies to effectively manage and mitigate the growing cancer burden in India.
At the same time, in the ongoing health screening programme Shaili carried out by the health department among people above the age of 30 years for lifestyle diseases,
of the 47,79,361 people screened, 1,07168 were referred to cancer screening. Of them, 22,641 for oral cancer, 64,214 for breast cancer and 24,704 for cervical cancer.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
