Pothencode pioneers cancer prevention program with monthly screenings

Pothencode block panchayat is making significant progress in cancer prevention. The area has launched a program called ‘first check’ to control cancer through community health initiatives. Working with the Regional Cancer Centre, Pothencode holds cancer detection camps every month. These camps take place at the village and ward levels. Since the program started in 2022, 37 camps have been organized. By the end of this year, they plan to conduct additional diagnostic camps in 97 panchayat wards. So far, over 4,000 women have participated in the screening camps. Out of these, 542 individuals were sent for further tests at the Regional Cancer Centre. To support patients, the block panchayat will cover treatment costs up to Rs 10,000 for those referred for screening. The Pothencode block panchayat has invested Rs 13 lakh from state funds into the ‘first check’ program. This initiative began after the closure of a previous cancer detection center in Mangalapuram. Block panchayat president Hari Prasad highlighted that the state government’s ‘health is happiness, keep cancer away’ program was first implemented in Pothencode three years ago.