The Government of India has prepared operational guidelines for the screening and management of Cancer in the country. Starting from November, the Union Health Ministry has made mandatory screening of oral, cervix and breast cancer for male and female above the age of 30. In the first phase, the ministry has identified 100 districts in the country which will be participating in the cancer prevention programme. The first project will start in Agartala in November and then the government will take it forward.

The three most commonly occurring cancers in India are those of the breast, uterine cervix and lip/oral cavity. Together, they account for approximately 34 per cent of all cancers in India, and constitute a public health priority. As per the process, the first level screening will be undertaken by the mid-level providers at the Health and Wellness Centers (Sub centers), and by staff nurses at the Public Health Centres.

Did You Know?

• The cervix or cervix uteri is the lower part of the uterus in the human female reproductive system.
• In a non-pregnant woman, the cervix is usually 2 to 3 cm long (~1 inch) and roughly cylindrical in shape.
• The narrow, central cervical canal runs along its entire length, connecting the uterine cavity and the lumen of the vagina.
• Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause changes in the epithelium, which can lead to cancer of the cervix.