Doubting its 2012 survey, district health dept to re-examine suspected cancer cases

Still not sure about the exact figure of cancer patients in the district, the health department will conduct a two-day screening camp beginning September 28 to re-examine the 5,811 people who were suspected to have cancer following a survey in December 2012.

To be organised at the civil hospital on Old Jail Road here, the cancer detection camp, which will be conducted by more than 80 doctors in the district, will also be open to any other person who wants to be checked for cancer.

In December 2012, the state health and family welfare department had conducted a state-wide cancer survey which confirmed 3,169 cancer patients in the district. Besides, 5,811 suspected cancer cases were also reported during the survey in 2012. The suspected cases were re-examined in February this year. However, of the 5,811 suspected cases, the department could not examine 600 people and could confirm only 47 new cases of cancer. Now, to be sure about the number of cancer patients in the district, the health department will re-examine all the suspected cases.

Dr Manjit Singh, district nodal officer for cancer at the civil surgeon's office here, confirmed this: “Four super-specialists, 15 specialists, 50 doctors from civil hospitals and dispensaries, and 15 medical officers will be deputed for the camp. We have arranged for ambulances to ferry the 5,811 people to the civil hospital.”

Assistant civil surgeon Dr KS Saini said, “Super-specialists and specialist from Max Health Care, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital, and Mohandai Oswal Hospital, will participate in the camp.”