In an ongoing movement to tackle cancer, Mumbaikars and residents of Maharashtra will not have to visit specialists in a hospital or clinic for cancer detection. Asian Cancer Foundation (ACF), a registered non-profit organization with an 80G certification, in collaboration with the Nargis Dutt Foundation will move forward in its aim of early detection, education, and prevention at community doorsteps using a mobile cancer detection van.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2022, the van donated by Nargis Dutt Foundation was flagged off by Ms. Priya Dutt, Ex. Member of Parliament and Trustee of the Nargis Dutt Foundation, in the presence of Dr. Ramakant Deshpande, Executive Chairman of ACI, Dr. Deepak Parikh, Executive Chairman of ACF & Medical Director ACI, Dr. Sanjay Sharma, Director of ACF Dr. Jagdeesh Kulkarni, Director of ACF, Dr.Rajiv Yadav. COO of ACI, Dr. Arun Shetty, Center Head of ACI Cumballa hill hospital. This will be followed by a free cancer screening camp for women.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in India. This number is increasing daily because of a lack of early detection programs and awareness about the importance of the same. It is for this purpose that ACF now has a special mobile screening vehicle that has been equipped with tools for early detection and testing.
Dr. Deepak Parikh, Executive Chairman of Asian Cancer Foundation said, “The new mobile van will keep track of cancer patients by visiting various areas of Mumbai and Maharashtra. This will assist the screening program and will keep a record of the most prevalent types of cancer which will help to analyze the reasons behind it. Along with the camps for early detection and screenings, we will also hold awareness programs and counseling, especially in personal hygiene, tobacco de-addiction. The target is to screen at least 5000 people every year. SOPs have been set up that will act as guidelines to efficiently carry out this program.”
Dr. Parikh added, “The van includes a dental chair for oral cancer screening and oral biopsy procedures. The van has an examination bed for breast and cervical examination with a facility for Pap smear tests. Doctors and Medical staff of the Asian Cancer Institute will assist ACF in implementing the programs.
There is a television in the van to display education videos regarding cancer awareness and de-addiction. Asian Cancer Foundation will assist those who need financial support.
Ms. Priya Dutt, Ex. Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Nargis Dutt Foundation said, “It couldn’t have been a better partnership with Asian Cancer Foundation because there are all renowned doctors who really know what is needed. Our support can help in every way. Health is very important. We have started raising funds in India as well and started funding patients for their cancer treatment. We realized two things- early detection cuts cost. Cancer can be curable if detected early. No person should lose his/her life due to a lack of funds. I am happy to inaugurate the cancer detection van on International Women’s Day.”
We look forward to other NGOs and philanthropic organizations getting in touch with us and supporting us in this program
