The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) uses population-based cancer screening at sub-district level. The three cancers included in the opportunistic cancer screening at HWC/PHC level are:
- A Colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer
- B Breast cancer, prostate cancer, and oral cancer
- C Oral cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer ✓
- D Thyroid cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer
Explanation
NPCDCS (now integrated under National NCD Programme) mandates population-based screening for oral cancer (adults ≥ 30 years — visual inspection for premalignant lesions), cervical cancer (women 30-65 years — VIA/HPV testing), and breast cancer (women 30-65 years — clinical breast examination) at Health and Wellness Centres and PHC level. These three cancers are targeted because they are common in India, have a detectable preclinical stage, and cost-effective screening tests are available. Colorectal and lung cancer screening are not part of the current national programme.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.