Cancer remains one of the deadliest diseases globally, with millions of lives claimed every year. While awareness about cancer prevention and early detection has grown in recent years, many women still don’t take their health seriously, particularly when it comes to getting screened for cancers like breast, cervical, and oral cancer. In India, where cultural and social barriers often prevent women from seeking timely medical help, the need for proactive healthcare measures is greater than ever.
The district of Varanasi, in particular, has been addressing this issue with its door-to-door cancer screening initiative, aimed at bringing crucial medical services directly to women who need them the most.
Launched in collaboration between the Varanasi district administration, Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Center (PMMMCC), and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (HBCH), the initiative has already screened over one lakh women across both rural and urban areas. The objective of the program is simple yet critical: to identify early-stage breast, cervical, and oral cancers, thereby improving treatment outcomes and saving lives. According to IAS Himanshu Nagpal, Chief Development Officer of Varanasi, the program aims to address a deep-rooted issue—the reluctance of many women to come forward for screening due to a lack of awareness or fear.
The Danger of Late Detection
Cancer, when detected early, has a significantly higher chance of being treated successfully. However, in many parts of India, women often delay seeking medical attention, leading to advanced-stage diagnoses when treatment options become limited. Breast and cervical cancer, two of the most common cancers in women, are often detected too late, when the prognosis is less favorable.
In Varanasi, the statistics paint a concerning picture. Oral cancer is particularly prevalent due to the high rate of tobacco chewing in the region. Despite these alarming figures, awareness remains low. Women are hesitant to undergo screening, often dismissing symptoms or fearing the stigma associated with a cancer diagnosis.
Bringing Healthcare to the Doorstep
Recognizing the importance of early detection, the cancer hospitals, under the ‘ISHA’ program, started a door-to-door cancer screening initiative in 2021. IAS Himanshu Nagpal, in a recent interview, highlighted how the administration collaborated with PMMMCC and HBCH to tackle this issue head-on. “The screening is crucial because there is very little awareness. People often realize at a very late stage that they have symptoms of breast cancer, oral cancer, or cervical cancer,” Mr. Nagpal told Indian Masterminds.
Under the program, grassroots health workers, such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), were trained to reach out to women in their homes and explain the importance of cancer screening. These workers have played a key role in mobilizing women, creating rosters for villages, and organizing camps for basic screenings. Symptomatic patients are then referred for further tests, such as mammography, at the hospitals.
So far, the initiative has screened over 1 lakh women, with around 3,500 symptomatic cases identified and referred to the hospitals for further testing. Of these, only around 1,500 women have made it to the hospital, showcasing one of the major challenges—encouraging women to follow through with further medical tests and treatments.
Overcoming Challenges
One of the biggest hurdles faced was convincing women to attend screenings and follow-up appointments. Many women are either unaware of the severity of their symptoms or are simply unwilling to seek treatment. This issue is compounded by logistical challenges, particularly in urban areas where narrow streets and a lack of proper infrastructure make it difficult to set up camps or organize effective outreach.
In rural areas, collaboration with village heads has been crucial in ensuring turnout for screening camps. However, as the program expands into urban areas, the administration is working to adapt its strategy to fit the unique challenges of the city.
“Our service delivery mechanism is much stronger in rural areas, but we are working hard to ensure that the urban population is also covered,” Mr. Nagpal said. “We’re following up with the 3,500 women who have been identified and ensuring they come for further treatment.”
Future Plans and Awareness Efforts
As the screening program continues to expand, the focus is not only on identifying cancer cases but also on long-term awareness efforts. Schools have become a focal point for awareness campaigns, with hundreds of students already vaccinated against cervical cancer through CSR initiatives. Moving forward, the goal is to increase vaccination efforts and incorporate cancer awareness into school curricula to create a ripple effect in families and communities.
Despite the challenges, the feedback from health functionaries has been overwhelmingly positive. The road ahead involves continuing the screening efforts, especially in urban areas, and ensuring that women identified with cancer receive the full range of treatments available to them. As IAS Himanshu Nagpal emphasized, “Early detection can not only lead to better treatment but also cure the disease entirely.”
