Kannur: Kerala’s model of data collection for identifying lifestyle diseases among the 30 plus population is gaining national attention. The main highlight of the programme is that it helps in detecting various cancers at an early stage, so that people can start treatment early. Probabilities for breast cancer, cervical cancer, and mouth cancer are identified through the screening process. It should be noted that in most of the cases, the cancers are often diagnosed at an advanced stage.

The data collection is being done through the ‘Shaili App’. Almost 1.5 crore people have enlisted their details in the app so far. 

Out of the entries so far, 7.5 lakh women will undergo screening tests for breast cancer and 94,747 women will undergo tests for detecting the presence of cervical cancer. The numbers will rise in the coming days.

Cancer care suite

The web portal for cancer suspects is known as the cancer care suite. The first examination for the suspects will be conducted at the primary health centres. Following this, if required, biopsy and FNAC tests will be conducted in the district and taluk hospitals. If cancer is confirmed, the patients will be referred to the medical college, cancer centre. All details will be available in the cancer care suite.