Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Screening (CAPS) 5th Camp Marks World Health Day with strong police participation
New Delhi, April 7
On the occasion of World Health Day, Delhi State Cancer Institute successfully organised the 5th CAPS Camp at the Delhi Police Headquarters. The event, held from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, witnessed enthusiastic participation from members of the Delhi Police.
The initiative aimed to promote early detection and prevention of cancer through awareness and accessible screening services.
A wide range of services was offered, including free cancer screenings for breast and cervical cancers. Limited mammography slots were also provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The camp featured HPV-DNA self-testing kits, expert consultations, educational sessions, and breast self-examination training, empowering participants with knowledge and preventive practices.
A total of 42 PSA (Prostate) tests and 55 oral cancer screenings were conducted. Additionally, the medical team performed 9 mammographies and 18 HPV tests to assist in early detection and awareness.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Pragya Shukla, Head of Department, Clinical Oncology, DSCI said that"Today, as we celebrate World Health Day with the theme 'Together for Health: Stand with Science,' we must recognize the need to develop our own evidence-based cancer treatment and screening guidelines. CAPS is not only an initiative to transform cancer screening from a 'luxury' into a necessity and a routine way of life, but also an endeavour to gather data that will help design indigenous screening protocols."
Speaking about the 5th CAPS camp Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, DSCI, stated that"Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against cancer. Through initiatives like CAPS, we aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action, ensuring that people not only understand the risks but also take timely steps toward screening and prevention."
The event was graced by Mrs Rachna Golchha, President of PFWS, as the Chief Guest, who appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of preventive healthcare.
Senior officials from the Police Department attended the camp, including Addl. CP (Welfare) Rajeev Ranjan, DCP (Welfare) Mayank Bansal, Addl. DCP (Welfare) Anil Sharma, ACP (Welfare) Sunil Kumar, and Inspector (Health Section) Devender Singh.
The CAPS event stands as a significant step toward strengthening community engagement in cancer prevention and highlights the importance of collective efforts in reducing the burden of cancer.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Dr. Shukla's point about needing our own evidence-based guidelines is spot on. Western protocols don't always fit our genetic makeup and lifestyle. Gathering indigenous data through CAPS is a smart, long-term strategy for better healthcare outcomes in India.
While I appreciate the effort, I hope this isn't just a one-off event for World Health Day. The article mentions "limited mammography slots." We need permanent, affordable screening facilities in every district. Awareness is good, but consistent access is better.
The inclusion of breast self-examination training is so important. Empowering women with knowledge they can use at home is a game-changer, especially in areas with less medical access. Kudos to the team for a holistic approach.
Good to see senior police officials attending. It sends a strong message about prioritizing health within the force. Our police personnel face immense stress; regular health check-ups should be institutionalized for them. Jai Hind!
The numbers are promising for a single-day camp! 55 oral screenings is significant. Given our country's high consumption of tobacco and pan masala, oral cancer awareness is desperately needed. Hope they take this model to schools and colleges next.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.