PREVENTIVE ONCOLOGY
RESEARCH

HPV prevalence Study (2009-2013)


POPULATION PREVALENCE OF HIGH RISK HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS (HPV) INFECTION IN SEMI-URBAN AND RURAL AREAS ADJOINING CHENNAI, INDIA FOLLOWED BY ONE YEAR PERSISRENCE STUDY


Today, HPV infection is considered to be the major factor in cervical carcinogenesis. Since there was no documented data on prevalence of HPV in the community, we conducted a study to ascertain the prevalence of HPV infection in Tambaram and ChengelpetTaluks of Kanchipuram District, Tamilnadu, between 19.02.2009 and 31.12.2009.1525 cervical samples were collected and the overall prevalence rate of HPV is found to be 12.7%, the most common type being HPV 16(27%).


A follow up study to find the persistence of virus at one year interval was just completed and this will provide first such data in Indian population.137 samples have been collected (71% compliance for follow-up) out of which 38 (29.1%) are persistently positive for HPV infection. Genotyping of the positive samples showed type 16 to be the most common type.


Feasibility Study on USG Breasts as an aid in mass screening (2011)


A portable USG equipment has been purchased and a pilot program was completed at Pallikaranai screening clinic . All women between 30 and 65 years of age, attending the clinic are offered CBE (by MO) and USG breasts(by trained Radiologist) and findings recorded. A total number 823 women were offered USG in the field clinic. Among them 650(77%) women were found to have normal/ benign breast changes and 183(22%) are found to have benign lumps. 7 cases were referred for further evaluation and were kept under follow up. One case of malignancy was diagnosed during the 6 months follow up among the 7 cases and the other cases are under follow up since then.


Satellite Screening Centers


The primary objectives are:


  • To setup a permanent screening clinic as a primary cancer care center in the study area.

  • Creating cancer and tobacco awareness

  • Providing early detection services for oral, breast and cervix cancer by organizing camps.

  • To provide training to medical and paramedical personnel from the study area in Cancer prevention and early detection at the Cancer Institute.