Thane’s Cancer Screening Drive Flags 32 Suspected Cases

A 10-day cancer screening campaign by the Thane Zilla Parishad has examined 2,443 residents in Bhiwandi and Kalyan talukas, identifying 32 suspected cases of cancer for urgent follow-up, officials announced on Thursday. Launched on August 5 as part of a broader initiative running until August 31, the drive utilizes a mobile van equipped with advanced diagnostic tools to detect oral, breast, cervical, and other cancers, emphasizing early diagnosis to improve recovery outcomes.

Chief Executive Officer Rohan Ghuge underscored the campaign’s focus on early intervention: “Detecting cancer early significantly boosts recovery chances. Our goal is to reach every corner of Thane district.” The mobile van, supported by trained medical staff and volunteers, has targeted rural and semi-urban areas, screening 1,298 women and 1,145 men. Of the 32 flagged cases, 18 are suspected oral cancers, nine breast cancers, and five cervical cancers, with patients referred to Tata Memorial Hospital and local health facilities for confirmatory tests and treatment.

The initiative, backed by a ₹1.5 crore budget from the state health department, aligns with India’s National Cancer Control Programme and responds to rising cancer incidence in Maharashtra, where 1.2 lakh new cases are reported annually. Social media posts on X praised the campaign’s reach, though some users urged faster follow-up for rural patients facing access barriers. With plans to screen 10,000 more by month-end, Thane’s effort is setting a model for proactive public health in high-risk regions.

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