A New Initiative in Cancer Detection at Noida District Hospital
With breast cancer cases on the rise among women, many avoid undergoing early detection tests due to a fear of radiation, complicated diagnostic procedures, and social hesitation. To address this issue, the Noida District Hospital has introduced a convenient alternative. CMS Dr. Ashok Kumar Jha pointed out that the ratio of breast cancer among women has been increasing steadily. He noted that in rural areas, social stigma, shyness, and a lack of awareness often lead to delayed diagnoses, which worsens the condition. Unlike traditional methods that were complex and carried radiation risks, the hospital has deployed a new thermal screening technique.
How Thermal Screening Works
The newly introduced technology performs breast cancer screening using a specialized thermal camera. According to Dr. Jha, this method is highly simplified and entirely safe. If the initial thermal screening suggests a positive result, the hospital schedules follow-up diagnostic procedures, including sonography and FNAC testing. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the medical team initiates the appropriate treatment path.
Surgical Care and Referral System
The District Hospital is equipped with surgical facilities to perform operations for breast cancer. Following a surgical procedure, the extracted tissue is sent to a laboratory for biopsy analysis, with reports typically prepared within 8 to 10 days. During this waiting period, the patient's surgical wound is allowed to heal. Currently, the hospital does not offer in-house chemotherapy and radiotherapy services. Consequently, patients requiring these treatments are prescribed medications and referred to advanced cancer care centers. Dr. Jha mentioned that as the patient volume increases, the hospital intends to establish dedicated chemotherapy and radiotherapy facilities on-site.
Free Screening in Room 21: Rules and Guidelines
Any woman experiencing discomfort or noticing potential symptoms of breast cancer can now visit the hospital to undergo this screening. The service is being offered completely free of charge. The test is conducted in Room Number 21 of the hospital premises.
According to lab technician Pooja, patients must adhere to specific medical guidelines before they can undergo the thermal screening process:
- The patient must fast for at least one hour immediately prior to the test.
- The patient must not be pregnant.
- The patient must not run a fever of any kind at the time of the test.
- The screening is not applicable to breastfeeding mothers.
- Women who consume alcohol or smoke must maintain a gap of at least 24 hours before taking the test.
- For patients already undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy, a mandatory gap of one month is required before they can take this thermal test.
Women who meet these criteria can proceed with the screening immediately upon arrival.
