Context:
A recent report by Niti Aayog, India’s policy think tank, highlights Significant Shortcomings in early cancer detection across the country.
Key findings
- According to the report, there are “huge gaps” in the performance of health and wellness centers (HWCs) under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
- Specifically, less than 10 percent of these centers had completed even one round of screening for non-communicable diseases, including cancer.
- However, the report reveals low screening rates among vulnerable populations, particularly those over 30.
- However, the report identifies insufficient investment in training them on cancer prevention and detection protocols.
Government initiatives for early cancer detection:
- The National Programme for Cancer Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), 2010: Focus on early detection of cervical, oral, and breast cancers, which make up a third of all cancer cases in the country.
- Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY): It aims to Convert 1,50,000 health and wellness centers (HWCs) into primary hubs for early cancer detection.
- The National Institute for Cancer Prevention and Research as a training hub: This institute’s expertise should be used for cancer screening training, which can be done online.
Path Forward:
- Early detection is crucial, as it drastically increases survival rates.
- The report calls for a multi-pronged approach. Frontline healthcare workers need education on cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of screening.
- Building trust with these professionals, like ASHA workers, is essential.
Recommendations:
- Increased investment in training and resources for grassroots health workers is paramount.
- Sensitizing ASHA workers and improving their working conditions are crucial steps.
- By learning from Niti Aayog’s report and taking decisive action, India can significantly improve cancer detection rates and save lives.