A free cancer detection and prevention centre was opened at Narimedu here on Sunday.
The Lions Clubs International District 324-B3 has set up the centre as a public service project with the technical support of Adyar Cancer Institute in Chennai. The centre is situated in the premises of Andrews Hospital in Singarayar Colony, Narimedu, in the city.
Wayne Madden, international first vice-president of Lions Clubs International, inaugurated the Lions Cancer Detection and Prevention Centre in the presence of several members of Lions Clubs and doctors.
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Required cancer screening equipment has been provided for the centre and the Lions Clubs District 324-B3 had contributed Rs.three lakh for the purpose.
P.S. Nandakumar, Lions District Governor, explained to the visiting vice-president, about the centre's plans and the objectives with which it was opened in Madurai.
“After initial screening and detection of cancer cases, the patients will be referred to hospitals for treatment. This centre will be of great use because early diagnosis can help in giving quick treatment for cure,” he said while showing the facilities to Mr. Madden.
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The Cancer Institute at Adyar in Chennai has provided manpower training and technical support. Cancer detection camps would be organised by Lions Clubs at various places and public awareness would be created.
Mr. Nandakumar sought the help of Lions Clubs International to strengthen the centre and reach out to more people in Madurai and surrounding districts.
Poornima Robin, Medical Officer, Lions Cancer Detection Centre, had informed that cervix cancer and breast cancer screening would be done for women and oral cancer for men free of cost.
Several members of Lions Clubs here have said that the motivation to start such a centre in Madurai had come from the Chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute, V. Shanta.
Since the evidence suggest that throat, breast, and cervix cancer are absolutely curable if detected at an early stage, the centre helps in early diagnosis and all screening tests will be done free of cost, the medical officer said.
M. Nagarajan, Advisor, to cancer project and Global Membership Team Area Leader of Lions Clubs International, was present at the inauguration.