Chennai is set to receive a significant boost in women's healthcare with the announcement of a dedicated, free cancer screening centre in the Thousand Lights constituency. The facility, scheduled to become operational by February 2026, aims to provide comprehensive and cost-free early detection services for women.
A Comprehensive Hub for Early Detection
The three-storeyed centre, constructed at a cost of 1.23 crore rupees, will be managed by the Greater Chennai Corporation's health department. It is designed to offer a full suite of screening services specifically targeting cancers that most commonly affect women. These include mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smear tests for cervical cancer, and abdominal and pelvic ultrasounds to detect ovarian cancers.
Operating from 8 am to 5 pm on all days except Sundays, the centre will house specialised rooms for each procedure. The infrastructure will feature a dedicated mammogram screening room, a consultant room, a laboratory for processing Pap smear tests, and an ultrasound room, ensuring a streamlined process for all visitors.
Addressing Tamil Nadu's High Cancer Burden
The initiative is a direct response to the state's disproportionate share of cancer cases. As highlighted by Dr J Amalorpavanathan, a member of the state planning commission, Tamil Nadu accounts for 6.4% of India's cancer cases, despite having only 5.6% of the country's population. He noted the shifting patterns in cancer prevalence, with cervical cancer remaining common in rural areas, while urban centres like Chennai are witnessing a rise in breast cancer cases, often linked to lifestyle factors such as delayed marriage and consequently, delayed lactation.
The driving force behind the project, Dr Ezhilan Naganathan, the MLA of Thousand Lights, stated his motivation was the state's high cancer burden. "I wanted to establish a free cancer screening facility in the city," he said. A key component of the centre's mission will be the creation of a data registry of patients and their results, which will be used to promote further research and prevention strategies.
Bridging a Critical Healthcare Gap
This facility addresses a crucial gap in public healthcare. While many services in government hospitals are free, diagnostic scans like mammograms and ultrasounds typically come at a significant cost, acting as a barrier for many women. This centre will remove that financial obstacle, making vital early detection accessible to all.
The establishment of the Thousand Lights screening centre represents a proactive step in public health, focusing on prevention and early diagnosis. By offering these essential services for free and building a research-oriented database, it has the potential to make a substantial impact on women's health outcomes in Chennai and contribute to the broader fight against cancer in Tamil Nadu.
