BHOPAL: A detailed digital risk assessment based on a person’s lifestyle, family history and current symptoms for common cancer is the way forward to detect and treat patients early, according to experts here on Sunday. Early detection can significantly increase chances of treatment success and survival.

Union ministry of youth and sports affairs and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sansthan (NYKS) held an orientation session. A technology-led oncology platform has been developed aimed at addressing the growing incidence of NCDs. NYKS will mobilise the on ground presence of more than 500 youth volunteers to impact early detection of NCDs across Madhya Pradesh. It is being called youth-assisted risk assessment (YARA) and is in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare, which has developed a mobile application for self-risk assessment of cancer.

Aiming to make cancer care accessible, NYKS MP director Surender Shukla, said, “NYKS MP has supported the state health department during Covid-19 pandemic towards effective disease management and vaccination drive. NYKS is now embarking on this initiative for NCDs and common cancers. The YARA programme will be a new approach for identifying people with elevated risks of NCDs.”.
Bhopal-based oncologist Dr Shyam Agarwal emphasised that Bhopal has highest incidence of tongue cancers in the country. It is important that people take up annual screenings. Gynaecologist Dr Archana Mishra acknowledged Madhya Pradesh’s effort towards elimination of cervical cancer.