The Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), Thiruvananthapuram, is an internationally- recognised centre providing state-of-the-art facilities for cancer diagnosis, treatment, palliation and rehabilitation and conducts a wide range of research on various type of cancers.
Established in the year 1981 jointly by the Government of Kerala and Government of India, the RCC, Thiruvananthapuram, is a comprehensive cancer centre catering to the population of the State of Kerala and the adjoining parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
In order to promote early cancer detection, the first Community Oncology division in India was established in RCC, Thiruvananthapuram, in 1985. RCC has one of the finest diagnostic oncology set-ups in the country. The centre has made much progress in the area of radiological imaging techniques using ultrasound, CT and MRI scanners, mammograms and more dynamic real-time nuclear isotope scanning. Apart from clinical and scientific achievements, the Centre has pioneered schemes to help the less- privileged socio-economic groups. At RCC, nearly 53% patients receive free treatment and another 27% in the middle income group receive treatment at subsidised rates.
The ‘Cancer Care for Life’, (CCL) scheme was launched in 1986 to generate a welfare fund for cancer patients. Consequent upon the winding up of the CCL scheme of Rs.101 per policy holder, a new CCL project of Rs.500 per policy was launched in 1993. The scheme has been stopped in the year 2014 for giving way to a viable scheme in the context of the changed socio-economic environment. With these commendable efforts in over the past three decades, the Centre has carved a unique niche in the health map of Kerala.
Clinics
RCC has constituted Multi-Disciplinary Tumour boards (MDTs) comprising Medical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists and Oncopathologists for the management of cancers. There are seven clinics, designated from A to G, each dealing with cancers of various types.
Medical
The super-speciality and post- graduate courses conducted by RCC are approved by the Medical Council of India and are affiliated to the Kerala University of Health Sciences. The Academic committee and PG committee help in the review of the curriculum based on the directives of the Medical Council of India and offer real time solutions to any problems faced by students at RCC.
Nursing
The Nursing Division at RCC conducts various academic programmes for the training of nurses in the field of oncology nursing. In addition to qualified staff members who are regularly engaged in clinical practice, consultant specialists from other departments, who are experts in their own fields take an active involvement in the programmes.
Research
While patient care is of prime importance at the Regional Cancer Centre, research and education are key components of RCC’s mission. The RCC, since its inception in 1981, has focused on Cancer Research, both applied and fundamental research.
Registration
The patient has to report with a referral letter from a doctor and biopsy reports and other relevant details, if available. Any one of the documents to be produced by the patient at the time of registration – AADHAAR CARD/VOTERS ID/PASSPORT/PAN CARD/DRIVING LICENCE. The Registration Counter is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 AM till 12:00 noon. After registration, a card containing the registration number, clinic name, address and other relevant details is given to the patient, and subsequently the patient is seen at the clinic concerned.
Credit facilities
Those having benefits from ESI, CGHS schemes, or employees from government/semi-government organizations and public service undertakings who bring credit references can avail credit facilities. Sufficient funds, if credited in advance in the patient’s name at the cash counter, can save several visits to the counter for various payments.
Early Cancer Detection Clinics
Screening tests for early detection of common cancers of mouth, breast and uterine cervix are conducted on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM TO 1:00 PM. Behavioural counselling and other tobacco cessation measures are offered in this clinic which is being done under Community Oncology division.
Community Oncology
The Division of Community Oncology has started functioning in the Centre since 1985. Over a span of two decades, the Division has taken up innovative initiatives for cancer prevention and control in the State. The programmes are being conducted with the support of Governmental and Non-Governmental Organisations, and also through service-minded volunteers. The Division is located on the ground floor of the
main block on the way to the pay ward (Level 2, Block A).
Outpatient clinics
The Community Oncology Division conducts out-patient clinics on Tuesdays and Thursdays in a week for detection of oral, breast and uterine cervical cancers. (Remaining days except Sundays are devoted to community- based health education and cancer detection activities). No referral letter is required for examination in this clinic. Detected cancer cases are referred to the respective departments of the Centre for treatment. Patients with pre-cancer (stage before the formation of cancer) will be followed up in the Division in a time- bound manner.
