Abstract Background: Breast cancer accounts for 26.6% of cancers among Indian women. Lack of awareness and fear lead to late-stage presentations and high mortality. This study aims to describe a novel community participatory model for cancer control in a Grama Panchayat in northern Kerala. Methods: The screening program in the Grama Panchayat was preceded by systematically planned, multifaceted, community-level cancer awareness activities, under the leadership of the Local Self Government Institution and technical support from a Comprehensive Cancer Care Center. Results: The activities led to a screening participation rate of 96% among women above 30 years, in a breast cancer screening camp organised in the Grama Panchayat. Out of the 203 (6.2%) referred, 135 women (66.5%) underwent further investigations. The detection rate was 0.96 per 1000, all in the early stages. Conclusion: Continuous community sensitization about cancer, alleviation of fear and misconceptions, accessible and approachable screening program settings, and an efficient patient navigation system, led by female Local Self Government Institution members, culminated in the successful ’Kannapuram Model’, in terms of screening participation and treatment adherence.
Parambil et al. (Wed,) studied this question.