The Health department has launched the second phase of the Arogyam, Anandam – Keep Cancer Away campaign in Alappuzha. It was inaugurated by H. Salam, MLA, in a function held at SD College, Alappuzha, on Thursday.

Officials said the aim of the second phase was to detect and prevent oral cancer and colon cancer in men at an early stage.

The Health department launched the campaign in Alappuzha on World Cancer Day on February 4. The first phase was aimed at strengthening awareness and screening for breast cancer and cervical cancer, which specifically affects women. It targeted women in the 30-65 age group.

The department aims to ensure that as many men as possible undergo screening to facilitate early detection and treatment. Officials said those diagnosed with the disease would receive treatment at Government Medical College Hospital, district/general hospitals, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and so on in accordance with established guidelines.

SD College Principal V.R. Prabhakaran Nair presided. District Medical Officer Jamuna Varghese, Kudumbashree District Mission coordinator S. Renjith and others attended.