Alappuzha/ Kozhikode: Kuttanad has seen an increase in the number of cancer patients during the last few years allegedly owing to the use of strong pesticides in the paddy growing regions. However, no panchayat-level survey has been conducted so far to assess the number of cancer cases in the region. A three-year Indo-Dutch study carried out in 2000 had pointed out that over 50 per cent of chemicals used in Kuttanad was highly toxic. The then district collector R. Girija had announced a panchayat-based survey on February 28 last year following the spurt in cancer cases in Kuttanad. However, the survey was not taken up.
The panchayat- level data available with primary health centres of cancer patients who registered with the palliative care units last year revealed the following figures: Champakulam-50, Nedumudy- 42, Ramankarai-60, Thalavadi-40, Edathwa-44, Thakzhy-89, Kavalam-80, Pulinkunnu-40, Veliyanad-28, Muttar-32, Neelamperoor-57 and Kainakkari-70. The survey was carried out in the wake of the proliferation of cancer cases in the area.
Ms Sheela Sajeev, president, Kainakari panchayat, demanded a survey as cancer cases were increasing in the panchayat. Mr K.P. Aniyappan, health standing committee chairman, Nedumudi panchayt, pointed out that a team of health department officials had come to the panchayat and collected the details of patients in a couple of wards. Mr T.A. Raju of Kuppapuram in Kainakari panchayat said that an RTI reply from the Kuppapuram primary health centre last year had said that only 70 patients were registered through the palliative care units.
Kudumbashree to launch survey in Kozhikode
The Kozhikode Municipal Corporation Kudumbashree Community Development Society (CDS) in association with the Malabar Cancer Care Society will launch a comprehensive survey among city dwellers to detect breast and uterine cancer. Based on the survey results, a primary and later a mega cancer camp will be conducted for the persons detected. Kudumbashree Member Secretary M.V Ramsi Ismail said that the first phase of the survey would be launched in 17 coastal wards of the Corporation from February 4 till March 31.
“An earlier survey revealed that those from the coastal wards of the City are more prone to various types of cancers and that is why we are launching the first phase from these wards. We are planning to complete the survey in three or four phases covering all 75 wards in the Corporation in the coming months,” he said. Kudumbashree has already started a 150-member volunteer palliative care group in association with Pain and Palliative Care.
