Seventeen coastal wards in Kozhikode Corporation limits will be covered under a survey as part of Jeevanam, the flagship project of Kudumbasree Community Development Society (CDS), to detect and provide treatment for breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
The survey will begin on Wednesday. It was formally launched on February 4 at a programme to mark World Cancer Day.
P.V. Ramsi Ismail, member secretary, Kudumbasree, Kozhikode Corporation, told The Hindu that the survey was likely to be completed by March 15. “It is going to be a comprehensive exercise. As many as 75 ground-level workers will gather details of those with lifestyle diseases, HIV, cancer, kidney problems and of those who are bedridden. Information about mentally disturbed and drug addicts too will be collected.” Other details to be sought are whether residents have access to clean drinking water and sanitation and whether they use scientific waste disposal methods.
Health problems
Krishnanatha Pai of the Malabar Cancer Care Society, Kannur, which is part of the project, said lack of proper food habits, stress, lack of exercise, and changing social habits were among the reasons for serious health issues among women, including cancer.
“After the survey, a preliminary screening camp will be organised for those who have symptoms of breast and ovarian cancer on March 31. A mega camp will be held later,” Mr. Ismail said.
APL families
The Jeevanam project was conceived in 2011-12 under the Swarna Jayanti Shehri Rozgar Yojana after it was found that a high number of women had ovarian and breast cancer. “Now only those from below poverty line families are getting the benefits of the project. We are requesting the government to include those from above poverty line families too in it after fixing an income ceiling. Also, we have proposed to expand the project across the State,” Mr. Ismail said.
In a bid to provide solace to women cancer patients, the CDS unit recently launched a 150-member ‘Cancer Santhwana Sena’. The specially trained volunteers will provide assistance in association with the pain and palliative units in the city.
