A new device for the early detection of cancer has been launched at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). C-MET, an autonomous scientific society has developed this device under the Make in India scheme and a Bangalore based startup Niramai.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. According to the latest reports by WHO and ICMR, breast cancer ranks first among the cancers found in Indian women. But, studies have shown that early detection can help in 100% cure of the disease.
Due to fear and ignorance, a stigma towards regular screening for cancer still exists in India. Also, relying on western techniques is impractical due to the large population along with the high cost of the machines and trained manpower and staff requirements.
Hence, a more practical alternative should be there to identify the patients in a community by the quick initial screening process. The new device ensures privacy and lessens the need for highly-trained manpower. It is portable and works on battery power, which is ideal for rural India. Since it doesn’t expose radiation, the device is useable for younger women as well.
A free cancer screening camp for the for sanitation workers was also held on the occasion of launch. Hyderabad Mayor Bonthu Rammohan launched the device along with civic chief D S Lokesh Kumar. He appealed to sanitation workers to get themselves screened and added that the facility would be extended across the city based on the results and response. “Wearable devices for screening the disease would be made available to the poor and be arranged for at Basti Dawakhanas,” said Rammohan.

Source: Times of India, The Hans India.

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