Punjab News/Punjab to organise 1500 free Cancer check up camps

Chandigarh, November 25, 2013: The Punjab government in collaboration with Roko Cancer Trust London has chalked out a strategy to organize 1500 free check up camps with a view to detecting cancer at the earliest stage and subsequent treatment could be initiated well in time. This was disclosed by Dr. Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Chief Parliamentary Secretary of Health and Family Welfare during a press conference here today.

Emphasising the need of generating awareness regarding cancer, Dr. Sidhu said that to educate people about this ailment is the only system which could curb this disease to a large extent.

She also said that the state government has joined hands with the Roko Cancer Trust London and has taken concerted efforts to not only its timely detection but also to generate awareness amongst the masses. She said that as many as 1500 free check up camps would be organised by the government with the assistance of the London Trust. At least 2500 persons would be examined in each camp. The people once detected with the disease would also be extended adequate medical guidance. She also said that the state would achieve the fixed target of examining the entire state population by 2015.

Expressing concern over the rise in cancerous diseases amongst women, Dr. Sidhu said that during the free check up camps women would also be checked thoroughly for breast cancer, oral cancer and cervical cancer so that if required further medical treatment could be pursued in this regard. She also said that people should not be scared of this disease as timely detection and preventive measures could curb this disease from further spreading.

Speaking on the occasion, Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal, Chairperson, Roko Cancer Trust London said that the organisation has been working in 27 countries and 19 states of India with a mission to ensure that everybody is diagnostically examined for Cancer so as to treat the disease at the initial stage. He also said that till date the organization has already conducted 1700 camps min Punjab so far. To generate awareness regarding Cancer, the Trust would distribute about 1 crore printed material including pamphlets amongst public and about 1 crore self examining gloves would also be made available during the camps.