A successful model of cancer screening in low-resource settings: Findings of an integrated cancer screening camp from a rural setting of North India

Abstract

Background: Cancers of cervix, breast, and oral cavity claim millions of deaths each year globally and are the three most common cancers in India. There is a need to develop and test models for organizing integrated cancer screening camps in low-resource settings with intersectoral coordination between different stakeholders. Aim: To test a model of community based integrated screening camp for it's feasibility and to early detect these three common cancers in low-resource rural settings. Materials and Methods: A community-based integrated cancer screening camp was organized in a rural setting of North India in coordination with district health administration and local governing body (Panchayati Raj Institution). Screening methods included clinical breast examination for breast cancer, visual inspection under 5% acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer, and oral visual examination (OVE) for oral cavity cancer. Men and women found to be screen positive in the camp were referred to the district hospital and a tertiary care center for further diagnostic tests and were followed up. Results: A total of ninety individuals (forty men and fifty women) above 30 years of age attended the screening camp were included in the study. One (2.5%) out of these forty males was screened positive for precancerous lesion of the oral cavity. Out of the fifty women attending the camp, two were detected with suspected breast lumps, which on further diagnostic tests at district hospital were diagnosed as benign tumors. About half (52.0%) of the women consented for cervical cancer screening, out of which one (3.9%) was screened positive on VIA, which on colposcopy examination and biopsy at a referral center was confirmed as early-stage cancerous lesion of the cervix and was instituted on treatment. Conclusion: The screening camp sets a successful example of community-based cancer control activity for the early detection and management of three common cancers through intersectoral coordination in low-resource settings.