Free breast cancer screening begins in Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital
Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital has launched a free breast cancer screening program for women, running until October 31, as part of Pink October. The initiative aims to encourage early detection, especially for women aged 40 and above, spinsters, and childless women, who are at higher risk. No ID or health insurance is required for screening.
Why it matters
This program provides crucial access to healthcare for women, potentially saving lives through early breast cancer detection, which significantly increases cure rates. It addresses barriers like cost, fear, and ignorance that often prevent women from seeking screening.
As part of observing Pink October, Virudhunagar Government Medical College Hospital on Monday commenced free breast cancer screening for women. The screening would go on till October 31 in the outpatient ward on the second floor of the hospital building.
Hospital Dean R. Amutharani inaugurated the screening.
Head of the Department of Surgery, Dr. M. Lakshminarayanan, said that every woman aged 40 years and above must undergo the screening once a year.
“Breast cancer is the second most common cancer found in women across the world. Early detection can assure the patient 100% cure,” he said.
Many women ignore lumps found in their breasts due to ignorance. Some do not go for screening due to fear or hesitation.
Women coming to the camp need not produce any identity card or health insurance card for getting screened, Dr. Lakshminarayanan said.
He added that hormonal and genetic factors cause breast cancer.
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