NOHP Puducherry -Oral screening program at AAM Nettapakkam

Screening for cancerous and precancerous oral lesions was conducted for geriatric patients attending the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) clinic at PHC Netapakkam. The objective of the screening was early detection of oral cancer and related lesions among the elderly population, who are at higher risk due to age-related factors and tobacco-related habits.
Patients with habits such as tobacco chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption were given special attention during the screening process.
Health education was provided regarding the ill effects of tobacco and areca nut use, the importance of self-examination, and the need for regular oral check-ups. Patients with suspected lesions were referred to higher dental or oncology centers for further investigation, diagnosis, and management.
The screening activity contributed to early identification of high-risk individuals and reinforced the importance of integrating oral cancer screening into routine NCD clinic services.