NCD 3.0 survey indicated a notable increase in cancer rates compared to previous findings.
Kurnool: Cancer cases among women in Kurnool and Nandyal are on the rise, with as high as 12,000 new cases being reported each year.
Among them, cases of breast and cervical cancer are more common, especially among women aged 30 to 40. Health experts stress the urgent need for early detection, preventive healthcare and the spread of awareness about vaccination and tests.
According to official data, both government and private hospitals have registered sharp increases in cancer cases in recent years. The Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) 3.0 survey found that 20 women were diagnosed with oral cancer, 54 with breast cancer and 25 with cervical cancer.
Most of these cases were among women. Experts attribute the increase to factors such as lifestyle changes, poor dietary habits, obesity and a lack of awareness about early screening methods.
The rise in cases has prompted the government to strengthen healthcare facilities in the region.
A state-of-the-art cancer hospital, built at Kurnool General Hospital for Rs 200 crore, is expected to become operational soon. This facility is expected to improve access to cancer treatment and provide advanced medical services to affected patients.
Despite these developments, delayed diagnosis remains a major concern. Earlier, Kurnool General Hospital used to receive around 10 breast and cervical cancer cases per month, but now the numbers have surged to 6 to 10 new cases daily.
Private hospitals under the Arogyasri scheme report a similar trend. Surveyors found that many women do not undergo routine check-ups and approach hospitals only when the disease reaches an advanced stage, reducing their chances of survival.
Dr Prakash, director of the government cancer Hospital, expressed the importance of early detection and advised women above 30 to undergo annual breast examinations and those above 40 years to get regular mammograms.
Self-examinations can also help in detecting lumps at an early stage, improving treatment outcomes.
For cervical cancer, Pap smear tests should be done annually to detect abnormalities early. Medical experts say the HPV vaccine available for children aged 9 to 15 can considerably reduce the risk.
With timely intervention, routine screenings and increased awareness, experts believe the rising trend of cancer cases can be effectively controlled, improving survival rates for women in the region.
