A Successful Model of Cancer Screening in Low Resource Settings: Findings of an Integrated Cancer Screening Camp from a Rural Setting of North India

Background: Cancers of cervix, breast and oral cavity claims millions of deaths each year globally and are the three most common cancers in India. There is need to develop and test models for organizing integrated cancer screening camps in low resource settings with inter-sectorial co-ordination between different stakeholders. Methods: A community based integrated cancer screening camp was organized in a rural setting of north India in co-ordination with district health administration and local governing body (Panchayati Raj Institution). Screening methods included Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) for breast cancer, visual inspection under 5% acetic acid (VIA) for cervical cancer and oral visual examination (OVE) for oral cavity cancer. Men and women found to be screen positive in the camp were referred to the district hospital and a tertiary care center for further diagnostic tests and were followed up. Results: A total of 90 individuals (40 men and 50 women) above 30 years of age attended the screening camp. Of them, one (2.5%) male was screened positive for precancerous lesion of oral cavity. Out of the 50 women attending the camp, two were detected with suspected breast lumps, which on further diagnostic tests at district hospital were diagnosed as benign tumors. Only half (52.0%) of the women consented for cervical cancer screening, out of which one (3.9%) was screened positive on VIA which on colposcopy examination and biopsy at referral center was confirmed as early stage cancerous lesion of cervix and was instituted on treatment. Conclusion: The screening camp sets a successful example of community based cancer control activity for early detection and management of three common cancers through inter-sectoral co-ordination in low resource settings.