Mobile Cancer Detection Unit

Indian Cancer Society strongly believes “Cancer is curable if detected early”. The Mobile Cancer Detection Centre (MCDC) of ICS has held Mobile Cancer Detection camps in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa and Chhattisgarh. These camps encourage people to avail of cancer detection screening at nil or just 20% of the normal cost. Detection camps are organized by the Mobile Cancer Detection Centre of Indian Cancer Society at the workplace or in the community at very nominal charges. The basic idea is to diagnosis the disease as early as possible since cancer can be cured if treated at an early stage.

Since 1983, the Mobile Cancer Detection Centre has conducted more than 1,800 camps benefiting more than 1,70,000 clients. These camps were conducted for various banks, corporate, schools, NGOs and Private companies. About 3,200 clients presenting with signs and symptoms were referred to Tata Memorial Hospital for further investigation.

Objectives of Mobile Cancer Detection Centre:

Creating awareness among the people about cancer and importance of cancer detection at an early stage.
Early Diagnosis of Cancer, since cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
Providing a complete comprehensive cancer check up service at a very nominal cost to poor and middle class people.
Informing Clients about Cancer Insurance Policy and helping them to avail the benefits of the policy at a very nominal cost.

Examination/Tests done at the Mobile Cancer Detection Centres:

Chest X-ray.
Routine Blood test of Hemoglobin and White Blood Cells.
Complete ENT Examination including Indirect Laryngoscopy by the ENT surgeon.
Complete Physical Check-up along with Prostate Examination by a surgeon (for Men).
Gynecological Examination including Breast check-up and Pap smear by a Gynecologist (for Women).

Achievements of Mobile Cancer Detection Program:

During 2009-2010, MCDC conducted 54 Mobile Cancer Detection camps for total 77 days. 7039 clients consisting of 4478 women and 2561 men benefited from these camps. 160 clients consisting of 114 men and 46 women were referred to Tata Memorial Hospital for further investigation. Some of the Organizations which have benefited from the ICS Mobile Cancer Detection Camps during 2009 – 2010 are as follows.

S.No.	Name of the Organizations	Total No. of camps conducted	Total No. of clients examined	Total No. of Clients referred for further investigation
1	Red Swastik Society	31	3008	86
2	Aga Khan Health Centre	8	759	6
3	Kasturi Foundation	3	298	3
4	Kutchi Visa Oswal jain Community	3	297	25
5	Lions Club International	3	272	3
6	Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.	3	284	2

PARVEEN AGA DIGITAL MAMOGRAPHY VAN:

The Mobile Cancer Detection Program of ICS is proposed to be extended with the launch of India’s first Digital Mammography Van, named the Hope Express, a state-of-the-art Cancer Detection Van devoted exclusively to women and made possible due to the massive world-wide fund drive undertaken by Mr. Alan Rosling and the British Business Group in memory of Late Mrs. Parveen Aga. It has been decided to give this turnkey project to Fujifilm. The van will have a Computerized Radiology system of Fuji for detection of Breast Cancer.

The Hope Express, which is under fabrication, will operate in Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat and Chhattisgarh, equipped with gynecologists and support personnel and in built infrastructure. Camps will be held that will screen for the most commonly occurring cancers amongst women i.e. breast and cervical cancers, along with oral cancer at a very nominal cost and will be free of cost for underprivileged women.