Ahmedabad firm to invest Rs 200 crore to set up cervical cancer screening labs

Ahmedabad: Amid the rising incidence of cervical cancer in India, Ahmedabad-based DNA Wellness Private Limited is investing Rs 200 crore to establish around 100 cervical cancer screening labs across the country. The company has secured exclusive rights to conduct the DNA Ploidy Test in India from the British Columbia Cancer Research Agency in Canada. This test can detect cancerous cells up to two years earlier than conventional methods like the pap smear.

"The DNA Ploidy Test identifies specific changes in the body that may lead to cancer. It's non-invasive and boasts 100 per cent specificity with 98 per cent sensitivity. The first dedicated cervical cancer screening lab using this test has been launched in Ahmedabad. By October 2024, we will open additional labs in Vadodara, Rajkot, and Surat," said Pathik Bhandari, co-founder of DNA Wellness, during a media interaction in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India, with about 1.3 lakh new cases and 80,000 deaths annually. In Gujarat alone, 17,000 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2023, and 1,800 deaths were reported, according to the National Cancer Registry Report 2023.

"Cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent yet preventable cancers among women in India. Early detection is crucial for saving lives, and the DNA Ploidy Test is a significant breakthrough," said Dr Anjana Chauhan, Gynec Oncologist. "With high sensitivity and specificity, this test allows us to detect precancerous changes long before they develop into cervical cancer, offering timely intervention and prevention. As the incidence of cervical cancer rises, such innovations are vital to improving outcomes and moving us toward a future where no woman faces this disease unchecked."

The risk factors for cervical cancer include long-term HPV infections, especially in those with weakened immune systems, obesity, smoking, contraceptive use, and having multiple children. Experts recommend HPV vaccination and regular screening to prevent the disease.

In response to the rising cases, several Gujarat-based startups are innovating in cervical cancer screening. For example, Ahmedabad-based IOTA Diagnostic has received CDSCO approval for its M-Strip device, a self-sampling kit for cervical cancer. Vadodara-based CerviCheck has also developed a self-sampling kit, allowing women to collect samples discreetly and safely to detect cervical cancer early.