Screening key to preventing spread of cancer: Experts

The radiology department of the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences (SVIMS) held a mid-term conference themed— ‘Basics to advances in breast imaging’— at the SVIMS campus on Sunday. Speakers at the event emphasised that early diagnosis and preventive intervention are key to curtailing the spread of cancer.

The event was organised in association with Breast Imaging Society of India (BISI) and was followed by a hands-on workshop on basic interventions, conducted at the ultrasound block.

Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) trust board member and Kovur MLA Vemireddy Prashanthi Reddy emphasised the State government’s resolve to curtail cancer, especially in women, by conducting special screening camps in rural areas.

Ms. Prashanthi Reddy, who is also a member of the SVIMS executive council, recalled that when her family-run VPR Foundation conducted cancer camps in the Kovur constituency, as many as 15,000 women were screened, and nearly 10% were found to be suffering from cancer.

Andhra Pradesh Medical Council Chairman Dr. D. Sreehari Rao, who is also the State president of the Indian Radiological and Imaging Association (IRIA) expressed concern over the rising cancer cases in women and stressed the need for early intervention.

SVIMS Director and Vice-Chancellor Dr. R.V. Kumar said that the institute’s radiology department is fully equipped to diagnose, screen and treat breast cancer cases. “Our breast surgeons, oncologists, pathologists and other healthcare professionals are leaving no stone unturned to create awareness among women ”, he added.

Organising chairperson and radiology head Dr. B. Vijayalakshmi called upon the women to make use of the state-of-the-art equipment like mammogram, ultrasonography, breast MRI and Pet-CT available at SVIMS.

As many as 200 delegates from across Andhra Pradesh participated. Dean Dr. Alok Sachan, organising Secretary Dr. Shilpa Kadiyala and others also attended.