Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 9: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said that breast cancer should not be hidden but confronted directly and defeated, assuring full government support for early detection and treatment.
He was speaking after inaugurating the Mega Pinkathon breast cancer awareness campaign, organised by the Kerala Federation of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, at the Medical College auditorium here.
Citing expert studies, the chief minister said that one in nine women in Kerala is at risk of developing breast cancer. He noted that many women tend to hide symptoms due to fear or to avoid burdening others, stressing that early detection can lead to complete recovery.
Vijayan said the state has established strong systems for women’s health protection, and through a comprehensive cancer control programme, significant progress has been achieved in cancer care. He pointed out that free cancer screening facilities are available at primary health centres for women with a family history of cancer and for those above 30 years of age.
Under the ‘Aarogyam Anandam, Akattam Arbudham’ campaign, around 21 lakh people were screened within a year, he said.
The chief minister added that facilities at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Malabar Cancer Centre, and Cochin Cancer Research Centre have been strengthened, while chemotherapy services have been extended to taluk hospitals. Free treatment is being provided through the Karunya Health Security Scheme, and affordable medicines are available under ‘Karunya Sparsham’. A project to provide cervical cancer vaccines to school students has also been launched, he said.
Stating that breast cancer survivors serve as a source of inspiration, Vijayan said awareness campaigns focusing on women’s health protection are crucial.
Health Minister Veena George, who also addressed the gathering, said the government aims to transform Kerala into a leading cancer treatment hub. She said decentralised chemotherapy services and district cancer programmes are being implemented across all 14 districts.
She further announced that a statewide cancer grid is being developed and laboratory networks are being strengthened. Special clinics for women are functioning every Tuesday at all 5,416 community health centres, offering screening facilities, including for breast cancer, she added.