Increasing awareness about various cancer types and their risk factors, and screening for early detection of cancer are central to SVICCAR’s community outreach efforts. The centre also works to promote behavioural change by encouraging people to undergo regular testing for cancer.
Awareness and screening procedures are key in the fight against cancer. Screenings help to detect the disease early, making it easier to treat, thus improving the chances of survival. SVICCAR conducts various activities — camps, collaboration with local authorities like panchayat samitis, self-help groups and local organisations — to increase awareness and reduce the spread of cancer.
The hospital, in collaboration with the National Health Mission, is working on implementing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in sub-centres (SCs) and health and wellness centres (HWCs).
The hospital runs Swasth Chittoor, a screening and awareness kiosk, at the Area Hospital, Chandragiri. Part of the Swasth Kiosks initiative, this kiosk provides free screening for oral, breast and cervical cancers, and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension, along with a general health check-up.
SVICCAR also runs a Mobile Medical Unit (MMU) which is equipped with a mammography machine for a free screening of oral, breast and cervical cancers.
Capability building of community health workers to equip them with the necessary skills to screen and detect cancer is also part of SVICCAR’s community outreach efforts.
Frontline workers including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA), Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs), and staff at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and HWCs, are given hands-on training in creating community awareness, carrying out oral cancer screening, and training women in conducting breast self-exams. The PHC and HWC staff are also trained in clinical breast examination and cervical cancer screening.
Tobacco is a major risk factor for multiple cancers. It is also the single largest cause of preventable deaths. SVICCAR works with the National Tobacco Control Programme to sensitise youth against the use and consumption of tobacco.
Regular initiatives are carried out to spread awareness about the health risks of tobacco. SVICCAR works with educational institutes, National Service Scheme volunteers, youth associations, local police, NGOs, etc. to create awareness and prevent the use of tobacco. Training is also imparted for implementing tobacco control measures. The team works with educational institutes to implement the Tobacco Free Educational Institutes (ToFEI) guidelines.
People screened for oral,
breast and cervical cancers
Youth sensitised against tobacco use
Frontline workers trained
Doctors trained
