Background and context: India is one of the few countries to have National Cancer Control Program and emphasis is given on tobacco related cancers because of high prevalence of such practices in India. As per the Global Adult survey 2016 around 30% of Indian population consume tobacco in any other form. Bus drivers, conductors and support staff of two leading public transport companies will be targeted by Indian Cancer Society as they are among high risk population with huge percentage of employees addicted with tobacco. Through this unique partnership, Indian Cancer Society (ICS) will promote tobacco deaddiction, cancer awareness and early detection of cancer among their staff. Aim: ICS is aiming at reaching out to around 1.20 Lakh bus drivers, conductors and support staff through this project in the span of 2 years. Strategy/Tactics: Cancer awareness will be created among targeted as well as general population by means of posters, banners, IEC leaflets. Depot managers will be sensitized about cancer, ill effects of tobacco consumption and importance of early detection. All eligible employees will be screened for commonest cancers in India like oral, breast, cervical and prostate. Tobacco deaddiction activities like support group meetings, experience sharing activities, role plays etc. will be organized for employees to facilitate tobacco deaddiction. Program/Policy process: Baseline survey was conducted for the sample size of 1000 employees in the month of March 2018 to assess their knowledge, attitude and practices related to tobacco addiction and cancer awareness. BCC and IEC activities will be planned based on the findings of baseline survey. Customized cancer screening packages will be developed based on the age and risk profile of employees. Support group meetings will be organized for employees with tobacco addiction. Outcomes: In the tenure of 2 years, cancer awareness will be created among 1.20 Lakh bus drivers, conductors and support staff. 75%–80% of these population will undergo cancer screening. General population residing in 30 districts of Maharashtra will be reached out through the cancer awareness drive organized at bus depots. Burden on the health system of these two transport companies will be reduced due to improved knowledge and health practices among their staff. Conclusion: With mandatory CSR, the private sector is keen on focusing on diseases with measurable outcome. Partnerships between government and NGOs can provide opportunities for private sector to collaborate; to reduce the burden of cancer through awareness and facilitate early detection thus improving chance of cure. This PPP model will provide structured quality cancer screening facility to identified high risk population and will facilitate early cancer detection. Best practices will be imbibed and tobacco deaddiction activities will be sustained beyond the project period.
Unique Partnership to Roll Out Cancer Awareness and Screening Program for High-Risk Population in Maharashtra