Strengthening Community Healthcare in Puri: Swasthyarekha’s Cancer Screening Initiative

Strengthening Community Healthcare in Puri: Swasthyarekha’s Cancer Screening Initiative

On August 16, 2026, the Swasthyarekha team, in association with Dr. Subash Nayak, Founder, IDAS Health Care, successfully conducted a community-based Cancer & NCD Screening Camp at Neeladri Bhakta Niwas, Grand Road, Puri, Odisha. The initiative focused on promoting preventive healthcare, increasing awareness, and supporting the early identification of oral and breast health abnormalities within the community.

About This Camp

Date: 16 August 2026 Venue: Neeladri Bhakta Niwas, Grand Road, Puri, Odisha, India Organised By: Reseapro Health under the Swasthyarekha Community Screening Initiative In Association With: Dr. Subash Nayak, Founder, IDAS Health Care Conducted By: Swasthyarekha Screening Team

The Camp at a Glance

• 56 participants screened
• 56 oral visual observations
• 35 oral screenings using the Oral Scan device
• 2 suspected oral abnormalities identified for further evaluation
• 26 Clinical Breast Examinations (CBE) conducted
• 22 breast screenings using the BR Scan device
• 2 suspected breast abnormalities identified for further evaluation

Delivering Preventive Healthcare to the Community

The screening camp aimed to bring preventive healthcare and early detection services closer to the people of Puri. The programme provided participants with access to cancer screening, health awareness, and personalised counselling in a community-based setting.

A total of 56 participants attended the camp and underwent screening and health assessment. Participants were registered, and relevant information was collected before the screening procedures. Informed consent was obtained wherever required before cancer screening activities.

The camp emphasised the importance of identifying potential health abnormalities early and encouraged individuals to seek timely medical evaluation when needed.

Awareness and Health Education

Health awareness was an important part of the camp. Participants were educated on the importance of regular health check-ups, cancer prevention, early warning signs, and healthy lifestyle practices.

The healthcare team highlighted common risk factors for cancer and NCDs, including tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and poor oral hygiene.

Participants were also encouraged to maintain good oral hygiene, remain alert to any unusual changes in the mouth or breast, and seek professional medical advice whenever they noticed persistent or suspicious symptoms.

Oral Cancer Screening

Oral health screening was an important component of the Puri camp. A total of 56 participants underwent oral visual observation, while 35 participants received additional screening using the Oral Scan device.

The screening involved an examination of the oral cavity for visible abnormalities or suspicious lesions. Oral Scan technology was used to support digital documentation and assessment of oral findings.

During the screening process, 2 participants were identified as having suspected oral abnormalities. We counselled them on their findings and advised them to undergo further clinical evaluation and appropriate follow-up.

Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer awareness and screening were also provided to eligible women attending the camp.

A total of 26 women underwent Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), while 22 participants were also screened using the BR Scan device, an AI-enabled breast screening technology designed to support the identification of suspicious abnormalities.

The screening identified 2 participants with suspected breast abnormalities. They were counselled individually and advised to undergo further diagnostic evaluation and specialist consultation to confirm and to ensure appropriate management.

Personalised Counselling and Follow-Up

After screening, participants received counselling tailored to their individual findings and identified risk factors.

Those with suspected abnormalities were informed about the importance of timely follow-up and confirmatory diagnostic evaluation. Participants were also encouraged to continue regular health check-ups and adopt healthy lifestyle practices to reduce preventable health risks.

The screening team emphasised that a screening finding is not, by itself, a confirmed diagnosis and that appropriate medical evaluation is essential for determining the next steps.

Why Community-Based Screening Matters

Community-based screening programmes help bring preventive healthcare services closer to individuals who may face barriers in accessing specialised healthcare facilities.

By providing screening services at Neeladri Bhakta Niwas in Puri, Swasthyarekha helped create a convenient setting where community members could access cancer awareness, screening, and counselling services.

Early identification of suspicious abnormalities can support timely referral and further evaluation, making community-based screening an important part of preventive healthcare.

The Path Forward

The Puri screening camp reflects Swasthyarekha’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community healthcare through awareness, early detection, screening, and timely referral.

The immediate priority is to ensure appropriate follow-up for the 2 participants with suspected oral abnormalities and the 2 with suspected breast abnormalities, and to support them in accessing further clinical and diagnostic evaluation.

Swasthyarekha will continue to expand its community outreach initiatives across Odisha, bringing preventive healthcare and early cancer detection services closer to more communities.

Be Part of Our Next Screening Camp

We sincerely thank Dr. Subash Nayak, Founder, IDAS Health Care, and all the participants and team members who contributed to the successful organisation of the Puri Cancer & NCD Screening Camp.

Hospitals, NGOs, corporate CSR partners, educational institutions, government organisations, and community groups interested in organising cancer and NCD screening programmes are welcome to collaborate with Swasthyarekha to bring preventive healthcare closer to their communities.

Early Detection. Better Care. Healthier Communities.