Cancer Screening. Awareness. Treatment & Palliative Care.
A Joint venture of Udhavum Ullangal, Chennai, Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar and Krishna Hospital, Palayamkottai
For more than a decade, Udhavum Ullangal has been at the forefront of delivering cancer screening, awareness, and treatment services for the people of Tirunelveli.
Today nearly 2 lakh people, in Tirunelveli, have benefited from our programmes and services
Cancer is one of the leading causes of non-communicable diseases accounting for 63% of all deaths in India*.
At the national level, the cancer incidence rate in 2020 was 98.7 per 100,000 population and the incidence rate was found to be higher in females than males*. This cancer burden is expected to increase by 4% each year and cancer mortality is expected to reach 700,000 -1.2 million by 2035.
We, at Udhavum Ullangal, chose Tirunelveli, to build a multi-pronged approach to combating cancer, considering the rise in cancer cases in the region. Nearly 6000 new patients are diagnosed with cancer in the districts of Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, and Thoothukudi every year. Today, oral, breast, and cervical cancers are the most common in this region accounting for almost 50% of the total cancer cases reported annually.
By establishing the Nellai Cancer Care Centre in 2011, we have been able to provide different sections of society with high-quality cancer care services for over a decade. This would have not been possible without the goodwill of community members, trustees, and our ardent supporters.
Nellai Cancer Care Centre (NCCC)
Established in partnership with Cancer Institute, Adyar, and Krishna Hospitals in Tirunelveli, the NCCC was inaugurated by the Late Dr. V. Shanta, Former Chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute. Today, it functions under the able leadership of Dr.Aruna Chandrasekhar, a Surgical oncologist. She retired as Professor and HOD from Cancer Institute, Adyar. As medical director, she brings her vast experience in cancer care to NCCC. Dr. E. Vidhubala, Psycho-oncologist, from Cancer Institute, Adyar heads the research initiatives based on the data collected from camps and uses this information for further clinical practice change. She has published numerous research papers on cancer. She has also set up an ethics committee to oversee all research activities.
The NCCC is located at Palayamkottai, which is easily accessible via public transport.
The NCCC provides three major cancer services...
1. Cancer screening and early diagnosis programmes
Early diagnosis of cancer can go a long way in providing the patient with the best chances for successful treatment. Delayed or inaccessible cancer care can reduce the chances of survival and increase treatment costs. By diagnosing cancer early on, healthcare outcomes can be improved at an early stage as it reduces delays in treatment.
Cancer screening is conducted to identify previously unrecognized diseases in otherwise healthy individuals. By conducting tests and examinations in asymptomatic populations, the community is screening for potential cancers, and referrals for diagnosis and treatments are provided.
NCCC adopts a multi-disciplinary approach to breast, cervical, and oral cancers by organizing cancer awareness programs, screening programs for early detection, preventive measures, and availability of treatments to help reduce the growing incidence rates and cancer mortality in the region.
NCCC has so far conducted more than 2150 awareness camps in the last decade.
2. Cancer treatment and follow-up services
The NCCC ensures all patients are seen by the Medical Director who develops a personalised treatment plan for the patient. Patients are referred to partner hospitals where required, regularly monitored throughout the treatment phase, and follow-up continues even after treatment.
Since 2011, more than 1300 persons have been treated for cancer
3. Palliative Care services
Cancer treatment can cause medical, emotional, financial, and social impacts for both patients and their carers. Palliative care or supportive care is important for recovery and improving the patient’s quality of life.
NCCC provides mobile palliative care services for patients residing within 30kms of NCCC. Staff nurses visit the patients and their families at their homes to provide the required medical, nutritional, emotional, and social support. NCCC also extends financial support to patients, as and when deemed necessary, to ensure they receive uninterrupted quality care and treatment.
High-risk patients are routinely followed up and monitored for palliative care services.
NCCC conducts all cancer care services with utmost zeal and passion. We are always looking for new ideas, support and contributions from everyone. If you would like to know more about our work or get involved in these activities, please contact our office.