A satellite cancer care centre of the Adyar Cancer Institute was inaugurated on Saturday at Pallikaranai.
The centre, which will be open between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on all working days, will provide free screening and testing for pre-cancer and cancerous conditions; and also disseminate information on prevention of cancer.
Speaking on the occasion, V. Shanta, chairman, Cancer Institute (WIA) said the centre was set up with the help of local community leaders and members of the women's SHG in the area.
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Dr. Shanta said in women, the most commonly occurring cancers (cervix and breast) are easily accessible and treatable.
S.N. Bhat, chairman, INCA Hammocks, whose family had come forward to allow use of their building in Pallikaranai to run the centre, said the crucial message that must reach the people is that cancer is preventable, and curable.
The satellite centre was in keeping with the larger motive of the Cancer Institute – to ensure that no poor person is neglected because of an inability to pay for treatment.
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E. Vidhubala of the Tobacco Cessation Centre of the Cancer Institute told members of the local community to spread the message that a free care centre had been started.
Even those who do not have any signs and symptoms of cancer can come in for a preventive check up programme.
J.S. Malliga of the Cancer Institute, said treatment would also be provided free of cost at the centre. It would have been impossible to set up such an establishment without the support of the local community, she added.