DEPARTMENT OF EPIDEMIOLOGY & COMMUNITY SCREENING

About

The Department of Epidemiology & Community Screening is fully operational from April 2023. Its main aim is to identify the risk of cancer and target preventive measures and also to find cancer in population before it causes symptoms and when it is easier to treat it successfully. The department is committed to make a significant impact on Cancer burden as early detection and prevention play a pivotal role in fight against Cancer. In order to advance Public Health in and around Varanasi District,community-based screening programs, research, data analysis, will be done through the department. Our screening initiatives will target specific populations based on risk factors and demographics. Through rigorous scientific investigation, we aim to identify strategies for effective cancer prevention and early intervention."

The services provided by the department include:

More than 100,000 women from the rural blocks of Varanasi district have been offered free of cost screening services for Oral, Breast & Cervical Cancer by camp-based screening. Screened positive women are offered further management services free of cost by the hospital.

Research:

To improve cancer detection rates and overall health outcomes by conducting innovative research in cancer epidemiology. It is involved in following ongoing research projects and clinical trials aimed at understanding cancer risk factors, trends, and disparities.

1. ISHA Project (Indian Study of Healthy Aging): The longitudinal study is planned to help in primary prevention of cancer and other chronic diseases. The study will help in early detection of breast, cervix and oral cavity cancers. The early detection of theses cancers will result in effective treatment and thereby will reduce mortality from these cancer sites. The study will also help to research into a wide range of chronic diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
2. Automated Visual Evaluation for Cervical Cancer Screening: Training and validation of AI for cervical cancer screening.