Sikkim targets early cancer detection through multi-model, population-based screening

GANGTOK, :Sikkim is implementing a comprehensive programme for cancer prevention, early detection and population-based screening of breast, stomach, cervical and oral cancers, Health department said on Wednesday.

The initiative is being implemented by State Health department in partnership with the Department of Health Research (DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

The first stakeholder meeting for the DHR-ICMR-supported project, titled "Co-develop and Implementation of Cancer Screening in Sikkim: A Multi Model Approach for Early Detection of Gastrointestinal, Cervical, Breast and Oral Cancers in Sikkim", was held here on September 1-2.

Health minister G.T.Dhungel chaired the meeting, which was attended by DHR joint secretary Richa Khoda, Education principal secretary Sandeep Tambe, Health secretary TshewangGyachho Bhutia and senior officials, doctors and scientists from the Centre and the State.

The programme will address key modifiable cancer risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, poor diet and physical inactivity through interventions in schools, colleges and communities.

Eligible populations across all six districts will be covered under the population-based screening through HPV sampling, self-sampling kits, clinical screening and endoscopy.

The initiative will also examine regional dietary and environmental exposures, generating evidence on potential carcinogenic compounds in cooked traditional foods alongside nutrition awareness, the department said.

The 'Let's Fix Our Food' (LFOF) Consortium, led by Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) with ICMR-NIN and UNICEF, will extend its intervention to schools and colleges in Sikkim to promote healthier food environments adapted to the State’s food culture.

“School and college modules will build cancer literacy and promote healthy lifestyle habits, while community mobilization through SHGs, ASHAs, and PRIs will focus primarily on detecting pre-cancerous lesions and early detection of priority cancers,” the department said. 

Addressing the meeting, Dhungel said the State government is committed to prioritising public health and disease prevention and stressed the need for grassroots-level action against cancer and lifestyle-related diseases.

He noted that instilling healthy habits in school children and strengthening community screening for priority cancers will safeguard future generations and build a healthier Sikkim.

Khoda said Sikkim offered a pioneering setting to develop an adaptable, evidence-based model for cancer control and assured sustained technical and research support from the ministry to ensure the project translates into tangible public health benefits. 

Bhutia outlined the implementation roadmap and stated that multi-sectoral convergence between the Health, Education and Rural Development departments would be crucial for effective implementation.

Frontline healthcare workers, ASHAs and field teams would be mobilised and equipped to ensure early detection, timely referral and maximum screening coverage, he said.

Prof. Monika Arora, vice president (Research and Health Promotion), PHFI, said cancer prevention must begin early and be reinforced across schools, colleges and communities.

She said the adoption of the 'Let's Fix Our Food' intervention across Sikkim would empower children and adolescents to promote healthier eating and active living and influence choices within families and communities.

The stakeholder meeting concluded with working sessions on inter-sectoral coordination, roles and responsibilities of participating sites and site-specific implementation plans, particularly for selected blocks.