So far, over 4.10 lakh women from nearly 4.15 lakh households have been surveyed for Cancer Screening
Thane: Under its Mission Shakti initiative, the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) has launched a comprehensive cancer screening and detection programme aimed at early diagnosis of cancer among women. The initiative is being implemented in association with Tata Cancer Hospital, Khopoli, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and focuses on the early detection of cervical, breast, and oral cancers.
As part of the programme, KDMC has undertaken an extensive door-to-door health survey covering women above the age of 30 across its civic jurisdiction. So far, over 4.10 lakh women from nearly 4.15 lakh households have been surveyed, making it one of the largest urban cancer screening initiatives in the region. The survey aims to identify women who may be at risk and ensure timely medical intervention.
The survey is being conducted by more than 550 ASHA workers, who visit households and collect health-related information using an eight-question questionnaire developed by experts from Tata Cancer Hospital and the IMA. The questionnaire focuses on symptoms such as pain, swelling, discomfort, or the presence of lumps in the breast and other warning signs related to cervical and oral cancers. ASHA workers record detailed information, including addresses and contact numbers, of women reporting symptoms for follow-up screening.
According to Dr. Deepa Shukla, Health Officer, KDMC, over 7,000 women have been identified as suspected cases requiring further clinical screening. “So far, 4.10 lakh women have been surveyed, and more than 7,000 suspected cases have been shortlisted for further examination,” she said.
The next phase of the programme involves clinical examinations by KDMC gynecologists at municipal hospitals and public health centres, including Rukmini Bai Hospital, Shastri Nagar Hospital, Vasant Valley Health Centres, and other civic facilities. Women exhibiting symptoms indicative of cancer will undergo diagnostic tests to confirm their condition.
Treatment and follow-up care will be provided by doctors from Tata Cancer Hospital, Khopoli, and the IMA at KDMC-run hospitals and health centres. Patients diagnosed with advanced-stage cancers requiring surgical intervention will be referred to Tata Cancer Hospital in Mumbai or Khopoli for specialised treatment.
To reduce inconvenience and financial burden on patients, KDMC’s Health Department aims to complete all screenings and tests within a single day wherever possible, eliminating the need for women to travel to Mumbai for diagnostics.
This programme is designed to diagnose and control cancer at an early stage. The door-to-door survey conducted by ASHA workers helps overcome barriers faced by women who would otherwise have to travel long distances or depend on expensive private hospitals. If even one life is saved through this initiative, our mission will be successful. For us, every life matters. Abhinav Goel, KDMC Commissioner
The initiative is expected to significantly improve early cancer detection rates among women in the Kalyan-Dombivli region and strengthen preventive healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
 has launched a comprehensive cancer screening and detection programme aimed at early diagnosis of cancer among women. The initiative is being implemented in association with Tata Cancer Hospital, Khopoli, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and focuses on the early detection of cervical, breast, and oral cancers.){kind=link}