Launch of CAPS Programme at Delhi State Cancer Institute on World Cancer Day
On the occasion of World Cancer Day, the Delhi State Cancer Institute (DSCI) successfully organized a comprehensive programme dedicated to cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection. On this occasion, the CAPS programme (Cancer Awareness, Prevention and Screening Programme) was formally launched by the Hon’ble Health Minister, Government of Delhi, Dr. Pankaj Singh, with the objective of making cancer screening more accessible and convenient, especially for women.
The programme was held at the auditorium located at Delhi Secretariat, I.P. Estate, and was attended by senior government officials, doctors, health experts, NGOs, and members of the general public.
The Hon’ble Health Minister, Government of Delhi, graced the event as the Chief Guest, while Dr. Tapasya Raghav, Special Secretary,Health, Government of Delhi, was present as the Guest of Honour.
The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. Vinod Kumar, Director, Delhi State Cancer Institute, who elaborated on the CAPS programme. He stated,
“Awareness, timely screening, and community participation are the most important pillars in the fight against cancer. Giving priority to women’s screening, a mobile cancer screening van will be launched under the CAPS programme. This van will be equipped with HPV DNA testing and mammography facilities. It will be stationed at pre-designated dates and times at markets, government offices, banks, and other public places, enabling women to undergo cancer screening easily without disrupting their daily routines.”
It was also highlighted that women often place their own health as the last priority and consider cancer screening a luxury, whereas it is a necessity. The CAPS programme is a significant step towards changing this mindset.
The occasion was also utilized to dispel myths related to cancer, reduce fear regarding treatment, promote anti-tobacco initiatives, and spread awareness about HPV vaccination based on the availability of resources.
Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Health Minister said,
“I am committed to doing everything required to improve the healthcare system for the people of Delhi. I am always with you all health care warriors.We are working towards providing all necessary facilities to the Delhi State Cancer Institute. The HPV vaccine will also be restarted soon.”
During the programme, Dr. Pragya Shukla, HOD, Clinical Oncology, DSCI, conducted an awareness session on the importance of early cancer detection through screening .
On the role of digital health, Mr. Gaurav Kumar, Co-founder, BigOHealth, shared his views on “Last-Mile Cancer Awareness.”
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Ravinder Singh, Joint Director of DSCI.
Following the event, a cancer screening camp was organized, which included cervical cancer screening (HPV testing – 50) and breast cancer screening and mammography on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition, under another DSCI initiative, PANKH (Prevention, Awareness, Nutrition, Knowledge and Hope), a poster-making competition was organized in a government school to promote awareness among children about healthy lifestyles and cancer prevention.
A poetry recitation programme was also organized within the hospital premises, providing emotional support to patients, their families, and healthcare workers.
On this occasion, the Tibetan Cancer Society also actively participated at the DSCI campus. The organization conducted a signature campaign and distributed gifts to children in the pediatric ward and to hospital staff.Mr. Tsultrim Dorjee, Director, Tibetan Cancer Society, stated that “ True healing involves caring for the body, mind, and soul together. It is our responsibility to keep humanity healthy and our motto is to reduce sufferingand cultivate compassion in action.”
Furthermore cervical cancer screening through VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid)training program also conducted at DSCI under the National Programme for Prevention and control of Non- communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) where Dr Vinita kumar Jaggi, Assistant Prof, Surgical oncology and Dr Dhruv Jain, Assistant Professor, Onco Pathology , DSCI trained 08 medical officers of Delhi government.
Kanchan Chaurasiya joined Medical Dialogues in 2025 as a Media and Marketing Coordinator. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Arts from Delhi University and has completed certifications in digital marketing. With a strong interest in health news, content creation, hospital updates, and emerging trends, Kanchan manages social media, news coverage, and public relations activities. She coordinates media outreach, creates press releases, promotes healthcare professionals and institutions, and supports health awareness campaigns to ensure accurate, engaging, and timely communication for the medical community and the public.