New Delhi: In an effort to promote early detection and prevention of cancer, the Delhi State Cancer Institute organized a Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Screening (CAPS) camp at the Tis Hazari Court Complex in Delhi on Wednesday.
The camp was organized to raise awareness about cancer screening among court staff and to encourage timely health check-ups that can help detect cancer at an early stage.
The event was attended by several judicial dignitaries including Ms. Anju Bajaj Chandna, Ld. District & Sessions Judge (HQ) and Chairperson, Central DLSA, Ms. Aditi Choudhary, Ld. District & Sessions Judge (West) and Chairperson, West DLSA, Sh. Abhitesh Kumar, Secretary Central DLSA, Sh. Sankalp Kapoor, West DLSA, and Ms. Ruchika Singla, Ld. District Judge.
During the camp, participants were provided with a range of preventive health services including free cancer screening, medical consultations, awareness sessions, mammography tests, and HPV-DNA testing.
According to officials, nine mammography screenings and 27 HPV-DNA tests had already been conducted by the afternoon, with more participants expected to undergo screening later in the day.
A special focus of the camp was breast cancer awareness, where participants were guided on breast self-examination techniques to help them recognize early warning signs. Doctors explained that regular self-screening can play a crucial role in identifying breast abnormalities at an early stage.
To further strengthen awareness efforts, the institute had also conducted an online awareness session a day before the camp, highlighting the importance of breast and cervical cancer screening protocols as well as the role of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer.
Speaking on the importance of early detection, Dr. Pragya Shukla, Head of Department, Clinical Oncology, Delhi State Cancer Institute, stressed that regular screening is key to reducing cancer-related deaths.
“Regular screening and timely diagnosis are among the most effective tools in reducing the burden of breast and cervical cancers. Awareness about self-examination, HPV vaccination, and adherence to screening protocols can significantly improve outcomes and save lives,” she said.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Anju Bajaj Chandna pointed out that fear often prevents people from undergoing medical screening.
“Many people hesitate to go for screening because they fear the possibility of testing positive. The ‘what if’ factor becomes the biggest barrier that stops people from getting tested,” she said.
Health experts at the camp also emphasized that early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, particularly in cancers such as breast and cervical cancer.
The CAPS initiative is part of a broader effort by the Delhi State Cancer Institute to strengthen preventive healthcare and cancer awareness in the community by encouraging timely screening and educating people about risk factors and preventive measures.
