In a significant step towards bolstering public health initiatives, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak announced on Sunday that cancer screening services will now be accessible at all health and wellness centers across Uttar Pradesh.
Pathak underscored the importance of timely screening, examination, and treatment in effectively combating cancer, emphasizing the pivotal role of early detection in improving prognosis and outcomes for patients.
The expanded cancer screening services will encompass three major types of cancer: breast cancer, oral cancer, and cervical cancer. Trained medical professionals at these health and wellness centers will conduct screenings based on presenting symptoms and risk factors.
Patients exhibiting symptoms suggestive of cancer will be promptly referred to specialized centers equipped to provide comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services.
Highlighting specific symptoms indicative of potential cancerous conditions, Pathak urged individuals experiencing mouth sores, white patches, wounds, or abnormal bleeding to promptly seek medical advice and undergo screening tests.
Cervical cancer screening, in particular, will be emphasized for individuals presenting with symptoms such as excessive bleeding, enabling early detection and intervention to mitigate the progression of the disease.
Moreover, Pathak reiterated the critical link between tobacco and cigarette consumption and the heightened risk of developing various forms of cancer. Citing statistics revealing that 40-50 percent of cancer cases are attributable to tobacco use, Pathak emphasized the imperative of tobacco cessation in reducing cancer incidence rates.
Encouraging individuals to quit tobacco, Pathak underscored the profound impact of lifestyle modifications in mitigating cancer risk and promoting overall health and well-being.
The initiative to expand cancer screening services across Uttar Pradesh’s health and wellness centers marks a significant stride in advancing public health priorities, reaffirming the government’s commitment to proactively addressing the burden of cancer and improving health outcomes for all residents.
As Uttar Pradesh moves forward in enhancing healthcare infrastructure and accessibility, the integration of cancer screening services into primary healthcare settings holds promise for early detection, intervention, and improved survival rates for individuals affected by this debilitating disease.