Wed Feb 04 03:11:08 UTC 2026: # Mobile Cancer Screening Initiatives Expand Reach in Chennai, India

The Story

Two Chennai-based initiatives, Pennalam and Thenmozhi Memorial Trust, are expanding access to breast and cervical cancer screening through mobile screening camps. Pennalam, established in 2009 and operating mobile buses since 2013, focuses on awareness and screening in urban areas, while Thenmozhi Memorial Trust, active since 2015, targets rural and peri-urban regions with limited diagnostic access. Both organizations face challenges related to cultural hesitation and logistical constraints but are committed to early detection and referral for further investigation.

Key Points

  • Pennalam: A women-focused cancer screening initiative started in 2009, with mobile screening buses operating since 2013.
  • Pennalam conducts mammograms (for women 40+) and Pap smear tests (for women 22+ who are married/in a relationship).
  • Camps are organized in colleges, corporate campuses, and communities, requiring a minimum of 50 participants.
  • Thenmozhi Memorial Trust: Conducts mobile breast cancer screening camps since 2015, targeting rural and peri-urban regions.
  • Thenmozhi Memorial Trust primarily offers mammograms to women over 40 years, with marriage as an eligibility criterion.
  • Each Thenmozhi Memorial Trust camp is overseen by a doctor, preceded by a structured questionnaire to assess risk factors.
  • Cultural hesitation and logistical challenges like power supply are significant hurdles for Thenmozhi Memorial Trust.
  • Approximately 2,000 women have been screened by Thenmozhi Memorial Trust to date.

Key Takeaways

  • Decentralized, community-oriented models are crucial for improving access to cancer screening, particularly in underserved populations.
  • Addressing fear and lack of information through awareness programs is essential to overcome cultural barriers to screening.
  • Public-private partnerships, like Pennalam’s collaboration with Ashok Leyland and ONGC, are vital for scaling up such initiatives.
  • Mobile screening units and camps significantly bridge the gap in healthcare access, especially in areas with limited diagnostic infrastructure.
  • Continued efforts are needed to sustain these initiatives, ensuring financial viability and long-term impact.

    Read More

Related News: