Regional Cancer Centre continued its efforts towards cancer control in the region, including Uttar Pradesh, North Bihar and Eastern Madhya Pradesh by adding new facilities and increasing outreach awareness programmes. The dedication of the staff, effective patient care, and prompt treatment resulted in attracting (without any waiting list) increased number of patients to the Centre.

A total number of 5293 new patients reported in 2003-04 for treatment, out of which 4027 cases were registered for specific cancer treatment. The total OPD attendance including follow up cases was 56141. Majority of the cases were imparted Radiotherapy including teletherapy and brachytherapy. 27291 sittings of Radiotherapy including 60344 exposures were given during the current year with the support of two Theratron 780C Units. Total number of Chemotherapy administered was 11604 doses. The two Cancer wards had full bed occupancy with patients waiting. 5897 patients were admitted in the cancer wards during the current year. Total no of Selectron Applications were 192 and HDR Microselectorn 68. Substantive achievements have been made in the fields of cancer awareness, prevention, early detection, management, follow up, palliative care, pain relief, and cancer research, which are highlighted in the activities of the various departments of our centre.

The Department is the integral part of Regional Cancer Center. It has excelled in its performance and has earned a reputation as one of the leading Radiation Oncology Centres of national importance.

The Department has been recognized as a Collaborative Center of the Department of Atomic Energy. Numbers of clinical trials are planned for collaborative multi centric trials on common cancers of head & neck and cervix. The Nodal Centre of DAE would be TMH, Mumbai. Besides the above, following academic activities are a regular feature :

• Regular PG teaching, Seminars, journal Club Meets and Radiological meets at Allahabad.
• Orientation for Radiology Technicians in respective section for quality improvement.

• DNB Radiotherapy : 4 Residents are registered for the DNB course in Radiotherapy and undergoing training. One Resident Dr. Manish Gupta has successfully passed DNB final examination this year.
  
  
• MD Radiotherapy : Residents from the Motilal Nehru Medical College attended the teaching programme and clinical training in the RCC. Brachytherapy training for MD Residents of U.P. Medical College is provided.
  
  
• MD/MS : Residents in all specialties are given Lectures on Oncology related topics and practical demonstration on the Radiotherapy Units.
  
  
• MBBS : Students of MLN Medical College, Allahabad are given lectures and demonstration on Radiotherapy Units.

Awareness programmes and outreach activities organized for cancer awareness & prevention
Cancer Awareness and early detection Programmes were organized in the Hospital premises as well as in various villages and slums of Allahabad and neighboring districts.

1. World No Tobacco day was observed every year on May 31^st Exhibition and talks for public awareness at the Regional Cancer Center, highlight the ill effects of tobacco on body systems especially on the causation of cancer.
2. National Cancer Awareness day (November 7, 2003). The Birth Anniversary of Madam Curie on November 7 is observed as the National Cancer Awareness Day each year by organizing activities for public awareness. Following activities were taken up.

The month long Magh Mela, which attract pilgrims from almost all parts of India, was utilized for spreading the awareness on cancer and HIV/AIDS.

A month long awareness programme was held in collaboration with Regional Publicity Officer. The RCC imparted Cancer awareness through posters, Magic show, puppet show, and distribution of folders. Rally with the NSS Students was also taken out in the Mela area to spread awareness among public. VCTC also imparted education about the emerging menace of HIV/ AIDS.

On main bathing days, Cancer Screening Programme was also organized. The suspected cases were referred to RCC.

The project is sponsored by World Health Organization and Government of India. A Hospital Based Cancer Registry (HCR) is a system of proper coding, compilation and analysis of information on cancer cases seen in the Hospital. The HCR ensures that all cases passing through the cancer Hospital are captured and coded systematically. The project personnel are: -

Palliative care is provided for approximately 40% of cases reporting to the RCC in advanced and terminal stages of cancer. A pain clinic has been started in the Cancer OPD of the RCC, managed by the Consultant from the Department of Radiation Oncology, Anaesthesiology and the Medical Officer for palliative care, along with support staff. Apart from routine analgesics, Radiotherapy and nerve blocks, morphine tablets were procured with WHO support and disbursed through the Hospital Pharmacy free of charge. The project personnel are :