Leveraging local self-government for implementing cancer screening and continuum of care – a model from Kerala state, India Local Self Government supported cancer screening and continuum of care – a model from Kerala state

Abstract

The emergence of cancer as a major public health problem in India has raised concerns among policymakers regarding reducing cancer-related morbidity, mortality, and catastrophic treatment expenditure. Along with increasing awareness of cancer warning signs, early detection offers immense scope, particularly for common cancers of the breast, cervix, and oral cavity. Local Self Governments (LSG) can play a prominent role by allocating funds for cancer prevention, infrastructure strengthening of primary health centres for screening and training healthcare providers. Yet another screening model implemented in a LSG in the Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, involved sensitizing elected representatives, resulting in dedicated plan funds not only for cancer screening, but also for expenses related to follow-up investigation at the nearest Apex Cancer Centre (ACC).  In collaboration with the Preventive Oncology Wing of the ACC, the LSG implemented community based screening; followed by diagnostic evaluation at the ACC. 4,717 individuals were screened through 53 screening progammes. 237 screen-positive subjects completed follow-up investigations at the ACC using project funds. This model demonstrates that enhancing awareness and strengthening capacity of LSG’s on their role in prevention, early detection, and continuum of care may substantially improve the effectiveness and sustainability of cancer control initiatives in the country.