In a bold move to combat cancer on World Cancer Day, Delhi’s Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh launched the CAPS initiative at DSCI, targeting early detection and prevention in the national capital. The program promises to revolutionize cancer care by bringing services directly to communities.
Addressing a gathering of health professionals, Dr. Singh stressed that controlling cancer’s surge demands proactive screening and education. Delhi’s superior facilities attract patients regionally, inflating local statistics while late diagnoses exacerbate risks, he noted.
Central to CAPS is a community-centric model prioritizing women’s health. Mobile screening units, fitted with cutting-edge mammography and HPV DNA testing gear, will roam urban hotspots and far-flung neighborhoods, enabling seamless check-ups.
The self-testing kit launch stole the show, empowering women with at-home vaginal swab collection for RT-PCR HPV analysis. Quick turnaround reports within seven days come with expert guidance and treatment pathways. Instant mammography reviews and dedicated follow-ups ensure comprehensive support.
Awareness efforts will spotlight detection techniques, tobacco cessation, and cervical cancer vaccines. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s administration is rolling out a holistic plan featuring prevention, swift diagnostics, and immediate therapy, backed by screening camps and upgraded facilities focused on prevalent cancers like breast, cervical, and oral.
Echoing national priorities, Dr. Singh said the focus on awareness addresses late-stage arrivals that complicate treatment. Upcoming vaccinations and van deployments aim to intercept the disease early. The commitment extends to fortifying cancer services for equitable, cost-effective care across Delhi.
