CHENNAI: Reinforcing the critical role of early diagnosis in reducing cancer-related mortality, GEM Hospital has launched free cancer screening programmes exclusively for pensioners, alongside free second-opinion consultations for all cancer patients throughout February.
The initiatives were unveiled as part of the hospital's World Cancer Day observance. The programme also coincided with the launch of 'Dr GEM', an AI-powered cancer intelligence chatbot designed to provide evidence-based information to patients and support clinicians with structured clinical insights.
Addressing the gathering, E Hemanth Raj, vice-chairman of the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, stressed that early detection remains the most effective weapon against cancer.
In India, nearly 100 people per one lakh are affected by cancer, and close to 40 per cent of cases are linked to tobacco use. Timely screening can significantly improve survival rates and quality of lifeE Hemanth Raj
Dr C Palanivelu, founder and chairman of GEM Hospital, said the focus this World Cancer Day was on accessibility. "Free cancer screening for pensioners is a step towards ensuring that age or financial constraints do not delay diagnosis," he said.
Echoing the sentiment, Dr P Senthilnathan, director of GEM Hospital, said informed decision-making and early detection could change outcomes. "Our initiatives aim to remove both financial and informational barriers so that care begins without delay," he noted.