Over 1,304 Screened for Cancer Across 223 Villages in Just 2 Months

With cancer cases rising across India, early detection has become more critical than ever. Recognizing the urgency, TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon, has taken a major step towards community health by launching widespread cancer screening initiatives, inclusive of oral, thermal breast, and cervical examination. In just three months, the centre has successfully screened 1,304 individuals across 223 villages, reflecting a remarkable increase in public awareness. Through continuous education campaigns, individuals are now more alert to the signs of cancer and understand the life-saving importance of regular screenings. Encouragingly, women are coming forward in large numbers to undergo mammograms, breast cancer screenings, and Pap smear tests due to increased awareness.

The Centre actively spreads cancer awareness through social media, public events, and informative articles. To promote early detection, over 15 cancer screening camps and awareness drives are conducted each month. Individuals showing symptoms during these camps are promptly guided to the Centre for further evaluation and testing.

Cancer cases and deaths are expected to sharply increase between 2022 and 2045 in India, a new study by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research has found. In males, common cancers include oral, lung, and prostate cancer. In females, the most prevalent types are breast, cervical, and ovarian cancer. Given the surging number of cancer cases, TGH Onco Life Cancer Centre, Talegaon, introduced a cancer screening mobile van initiative to aid in timely diagnosis and treatment.

In just three months, the centre has reached 223 villages and screened 1,304 individuals, highlighting the importance of public awareness and participation in cancer screening. As part of the cancer screening initiative, participation spanned across all age groups, 28 individuals were under 20 years, 241 were between 21–30 years, 376 were in the 31–40 age group, followed by 262 from 41–50 years, 179 from 51–60 years, 128 from 61–70 years, and 59 individuals were above 71 years of age. Among those screened, three individuals have already been registered for treatment at the hospital. Thanks to timely detection, two patients have successfully undergone surgery, while one patient is currently receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis in improving treatment outcomes.

TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre is equipped with a state-of-the-art cancer screening unit and operates a dedicated mobile breast cancer screening van to reach underserved areas. This van travels across multiple regions in the Pune district, including Ambegaon, Baramati, Bhor, Daund, Haveli, Indapur, Junnar, Khed, Maval, Mulshi, Pune city, Purandar, Shirur, Velhe, and surrounding villages, offering free cancer screenings. Facilities include thermal breast screening, Pap smear/VIA tests for cervical cancer, blood tests for various cancers, and oral cancer examinations. If any irregularities are detected during thermal screening, patients are referred to the hospital for a mammogram or sonogram for further evaluation.

 Mr. Sachin Deshmukh, Managing Director, TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre, said, “Early detection of cancer allows for timely and effective treatment, and it’s heartening to see growing awareness among Punekars and this, in itself, is a significant achievement for us. Awareness is the first step toward prevention, and at TGH Onco-Life Cancer Centre, we remain committed to reaching every individual with this vital message.”