New Delhi, 4 February 2026:
Marking World Cancer Day, the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) organised a comprehensive programme focused on cancer awareness, prevention and early detection. On this occasion, the CAPS programme was formally launched by the Hon’ble Health Minister, Government of Delhi, Dr. Pankaj Singh, with the aim of making cancer screening more accessible and convenient, particularly for women.
The event was held at the auditorium of the Delhi Secretariat, I.P. Estate, and was attended by senior government officials, doctors, health experts, NGOs and members of the public. Dr. Tapasya Raghav, Special Secretary (Health), Government of Delhi, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Delhi State Cancer Institute, highlighted the importance of awareness and timely screening. He announced that under the CAPS programme, a mobile cancer screening van will be introduced, equipped with HPV DNA testing and mammography facilities. The van will visit pre-designated locations such as markets, government offices, banks and other public places, allowing women to undergo screening conveniently without disrupting their daily routine.
The programme emphasised that women often neglect their own health and consider cancer screening a luxury, whereas it is a necessity. The CAPS initiative aims to change this mindset and encourage early detection.
The occasion was also used to address cancer-related myths, reduce fear about treatment, promote anti-tobacco awareness and spread information about HPV vaccination based on available resources.
Addressing the gathering, Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Singh reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening healthcare services in Delhi. He said the government is working to provide all necessary facilities to DSCI and added that the HPV vaccination programme will be restarted soon.
During the event, Dr. Pragya Shukla, HOD, Clinical Oncology, DSCI, conducted an awareness session on the importance of early cancer detection through screening. Highlighting the role of digital health, Mr. Gaurav Kumar, Co-founder, BigOHealth, spoke about “Last-Mile Cancer Awareness.”
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ravinder Singh, Joint Director, DSCI.
Following the event, a cancer screening camp was organised, offering cervical cancer screening (HPV testing for 50 women) and breast cancer screening with mammography on a first-come, first-served basis.
As part of another DSCI initiative, PANKH (Prevention, Awareness, Nutrition, Knowledge and Hope), a poster-making competition was held in a government school to promote awareness among children about healthy lifestyles and cancer prevention. A poetry recitation session was also organised in the hospital premises to provide emotional support to patients, their families and healthcare workers.
The Tibetan Cancer Society actively participated at the DSCI campus, conducting a signature campaign and distributing gifts to children in the pediatric ward and to hospital staff. Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee, Director, Tibetan Cancer Society, said that true healing involves caring for the body, mind and soul together, and emphasised compassion in action to reduce suffering.
Additionally, under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), a cervical cancer screening training session using VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) was conducted at DSCI. Dr. Vinita Kumar Jaggi, Assistant Professor, Surgical Oncology, and Dr. Dhruv Jain, Assistant Professor, Onco-Pathology, DSCI, trained eight medical officers from the Delhi Government.
