Seizing the opportunity to leverage home-based palliative care for cancer education and screening in high-burden and resource-limited settings in India.

Background: Despite national screening efforts and a high cancer burden, the cancer screening rate is low in the northeast region of India. Seizing every opportunity for early detection is crucial in reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality. This study assessed the outcomes of cancer education and symptom screening (CESS) among family members and neighbours of cancer patients on home-based palliative care (Home-PC) in Barak Valley of Assam, India.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study based on record review. Trained lay health workers (TLHW) attached to a tertiary cancer hospital conducted CESS sessions (self-administered or facilitated questionnaire) during routine Home-PC visits.

Results: Of 916 individuals, 75 (8.2%) reported cancer-related symptoms and 33 (44%) attended the screening OPD of a tertiary hospital for assessment. Of them, 17 (51.5%) were diagnosed with cancer, predominantly oral, breast, and other cancers. The median (interquartile range) days from symptom screening to screening OPD visit was 10 (2.5, 49.5) days, while from screening OPD visit to diagnosis was 1 (0, 8) day.

Conclusion: Integrating CESS into Home-PC is feasible and aids in prompt diagnosis in resource-limited settings. This strategy could be used as an opportunity for early cancer detection and management, especially in high-burden regions like Northeast India.