The Health Department has launched a mass cancer prevention campaign titled ‘Arogyam Aanantham – Akattaam Arbudham’ to ensure cancer prevention across the state and provide access to advanced treatment facilities. This initiative is being organised in collaboration with various government agencies, private and cooperative sectors, volunteers, community leaders, and the general public in Kerala. The year-long campaign, themed ‘Arogyam Aanantham – Akattaam Arbudham’ will officially commence on February 4, World Cancer Day.

Need for the Campaign

In the first phase of screening conducted by the Health Department through the Shaili app as part of the Nava Keralam Karma Padhathi II Aardram Mission, approximately nine lakh individuals were identified as at risk of developing cancer. However, only 1.5 lakh people opted for further testing. Many patients seek treatment only in the later stages of the disease, emphasizing the urgent need for early detection and timely intervention.

Although many types of cancer can be detected and treated early, fear and anxiety often prevent people from seeking necessary medical care. This campaign aims to address these concerns by increasing public awareness and promoting early screening and treatment.

Objectives of the Campaign

Cancer is one of the leading causes of severe mental and economic distress, pushing many families into deep poverty. However, if detected in its early stages, cancer can be completely cured. Scientific treatment can ensure that patients lead long, healthy lives. To achieve this, effective early diagnosis systems must be established, and individuals at risk should be encouraged to participate in screening programs.

Cancer prevention is possible by taking three important steps. The first step is to reduce the chances of getting cancer by controlling risk factors like smoking, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise. The second step is to detect cancer as early as possible through regular check-ups and screenings. The third step is to start scientific treatment immediately if cancer is found. This campaign focuses on strengthening these preventive measures, helping people stay free from cancer and live a healthy, happy life.

First Phase Focuses on Women

The first phase of this year-long campaign is for to women. It will run from February 4 to March 8, ending on International Women’s Day. This phase aims to provide screening, testing, and treatment for breast cancer and cervical cancer, which are two of the most common cancers in women.

Breast cancer is a serious health concern. It is the second most common cancer worldwide (11.5%) and the most common cancer in India (13.5%). Cervical cancer is another major concern. If detected early, it can be completely cured, but if left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Early detection and timely treatment can save lives.

As part of the campaign, cancer screening facilities have been set up in 855 health centres across the state. These include taluk, district, and general hospitals, medical colleges, and regional cancer centres. Women can also get screened at selected private hospitals. In addition, cancer screening camps will be conducted by various organizations during this phase.

To make screening accessible to everyone, testing is free for BPL (Below Poverty Line) category people. Those in the APL (Above Poverty Line) category can access testing at a reasonable cost.

Cancer is often called a silent epidemic, as it can grow unnoticed until it reaches a dangerous stage. To fight this, strong individual and social efforts are necessary. The ‘Arogyam Aanantham, Akattaam Arbudham’ campaign aims to remove fear and misunderstandings about cancer. It encourages people to take precautions, undergo regular screenings, and seek early treatment.

A healthy society is built through collective action. When cancer is detected early, it can be treated successfully, allowing people to lead normal, healthy lives. This campaign hopes to raise awareness, improve treatment facilities, and help more people stay safe from cancer.