The Kerala Cancer Care Grid, which is an extensive network of various cancer diagnostic centres, hospitals with cancer treatment facilities, screening centres, and regional cancer centres in both public and private health sectors, will help the State achieve the goals of Kerala Cancer Control Strategy 2018-30 through the implementation of an equitable, accessible and high quality cancer prevention and control programme, a statement issued by the office of Health Minister Veena George said.
The Cancer Care Grid will ensure precise diagnosis and standardised treatment for individuals visiting health-care centres at all levels, eliminating the need for unnecessary referrals
Through the Cancer Care Grid, patients can access uniform and high-quality services wherever they are located. The network will facilitate the implementation of standardised treatment protocols and guidelines and enhance collaboration, knowledge and expertise sharing among cancer specialists. This initiative also aims at promoting research and innovation in cancer treatment and prevention, the statement said.
Kerala Cancer Care Grid can systematically map cancer screening facilities, referral pathways for suspected cases as well as available services at each stage of the disease. Whenever a cancer diagnosis is confirmed at one institution, the system would have identified the nearest treatment facility which will enable further treatment too.
Patients will be provided seamless care by referring them to the nearest healthcare centre equipped with the necessary diagnostic and treatment services. The receiving centre is also notified about the incoming patient in advance. Follow-up treatment is ensured through public health centres. The Cancer Grid has been designed on the basis of a gap analysis in hospital services so as to optimise cancer care.
The State will prioritise early screening, diagnosis and treatment, given the steep rise in cancer cases in the State over the past few years.
The Health Department’s year-long public cancer awareness campaign, “Aarogyam Anandam – Keep Cancers Away,” is aimed at picking up cancer cases early and treating them. Individuals identified as having a high risk of developing cancer, will be given expert treatment.
Published – February 11, 2025 09:25 pm IST
