NewKerala.com

Delhi Launches CAPS Cancer Screening Program with Mobile Vans on World Cancer Day

The Delhi government has launched the Cancer Awareness, Prevention & Screening (CAPS) programme to strengthen early detection and accessible care. The initiative includes deploying specially equipped mobile vans with mammography and HPV DNA testing to prominent and remote locations. A self-testing kit was unveiled, allowing women to privately collect samples for HPV testing with results within a week. The programme also focuses on cancer education, anti-tobacco awareness, and promoting cervical cancer vaccination.

Key Points: Delhi CAPS Cancer Awareness & Screening Programme Launched

  • Mobile Cancer Screening Vans deployed
  • HPV DNA self-testing kit unveiled
  • Focus on early detection & women's health
  • Community-based accessible screening
  • Promotes vaccination & anti-tobacco awareness
2 min read

Delhi govt launches 'CAPS' programme on World Cancer Day to strengthen cancer awareness

Delhi Health Minister launches CAPS cancer screening with mobile vans & self-test kits for early detection, focusing on women's health and HPV testing.

"Cancer prevention is a key vision of our Prime Minister... Our goal is to prevent the disease wherever possible and ensure timely care for every patient. - Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh"

New Delhi, February 5

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh inaugurated the CAPS - Cancer Awareness, Prevention & Screening Programme, an initiative of the Delhi State Cancer Institute, aimed at strengthening early detection, prevention and accessible cancer care services across the national capital.

Senior officials from the Health Department, doctors, nurses, technicians, and other healthcare staff were present during the programme. Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted that timely screening and awareness are critical in controlling the growing burden of cancer.

He noted that Delhi reports more patients because its advanced healthcare facilities attract people from neighbouring states, while delayed testing further increases risk.

Under the CAPS initiative, the government is adopting a community-based approach to make cancer screening accessible, affordable and routine, particularly for women. Specially equipped Mobile Cancer Screening Vans, featuring mammography and HPV DNA testing, will be deployed at pre-announced, prominent locations and remote areas, enabling citizens to undergo screening without disrupting their daily schedules.

A self-testing kit was also unveiled during the programme to enable convenient, private screening. The kit enables women to collect a vaginal swab sample and place it in labelled vials for HPV DNA testing through RT-PCR. Test reports will be shared within a week, followed by a medical consultation and, where required, a recommendation for treatment. Mammography results will also be analysed and communicated promptly, with necessary follow-up care ensured for patients requiring intervention.

In addition, the programme will promote cancer education, early detection practices, anti-tobacco awareness, and cervical cancer vaccination to reduce future risks.

"Cancer prevention is a key vision of our Prime Minister, and our Chief Minister is also treating this issue with utmost seriousness. Our immediate focus is on awareness, because many patients come for tests very late, making treatment more difficult. Alongside awareness, we are strengthening screening to detect cancer early and treat it effectively. We are also working to introduce cervical cancer vaccination and deploy mobile cancer vans to bring testing facilities closer to people. Our goal is to prevent the disease wherever possible and ensure timely care for every patient," said Health and Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh.

Reaffirming its commitment to public health, the Delhi Government continues to implement targeted measures to strengthen cancer care delivery and provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare services to all residents of the Capital.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good step, but execution is key. We've seen many such programmes announced with great fanfare on specific days, but the services often don't reach the ground level consistently. Hope they ensure these vans are regularly available and the follow-up treatment is actually affordable.
A
Anjali F
The focus on cervical cancer prevention is crucial. In India, there's still so much stigma and lack of awareness around women's health issues. If this programme can normalise regular screening and promote vaccination, it will save countless lives. More power to the health workers on the ground!
S
Suresh O
Awareness is the first battle. My neighbour ignored a persistent cough for months, thinking it was just pollution. By the time he got checked, it was late-stage lung cancer. Programmes like CAPS that take screening to people's doorsteps can break this cycle of fear and delay. Jai Hind!
D
David E
As someone who has lived in Delhi for 5 years, the air quality and lifestyle here do increase health risks. It's encouraging to see a proactive, tech-enabled approach like this with mobile vans and self-test kits. The integration of awareness, prevention, and screening is a solid public health strategy.
K
Kavitha C
While I appreciate the effort, I hope they don't forget about other common cancers like oral and breast cancer in men. The article heavily focuses on women's cancers (which is needed), but a comprehensive programme should have a wider net. Also, will these services be free for BPL families?

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50