Tackling womens cancer -- June 12, 2003
Screening for cancer of the cervix in Rajasthan, India has met with very limited success simply because women do not come forward to be checked. In response, Amber Trust has initiated a new community based approach based on partnership with the Mahavir Cancer Research Hospital under a programme of the UN International Cancer Research Agency, funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Cancer of the cervix can be treated easily in the early stages and many unnecessary deaths of women can be avoided. At the first women's cancer camp in Amber, near Jaipur, 130 women were successfully checked and treated during a recent free screening and treatment drive.
"We had a busy and productive week in Amber thanks to the efforts of Amber Trust who persuaded so many women to come for screening," said Dr Nisha, of the Mahavir Cancer Research Hospital, expressing her joy at the high turn out rate. "Working with Amber Trust was very helpful because they have such good relations with the community and they were able to allay women's fears."
Often women are not screened because of embarrassment and poor access to health care, all compounded by the appalling level of poverty and illiteracy. To overcome these cultural and practical barriers, Amber Trust volunteers had gone from house to house in the community, talking to women about the camp. It was this personal approach to raising awareness and building confidence that made the high turn out rate possible.
"The camp was very worthwhile and many women will benefit. As a result, we plan to repeat the camp in June," explained Dr Nisha, "We found a very high incidence of pre-cancerous conditions with just over a quarter of women being affected. We could investigate and treat many straight away in Amber but a minority required treatment at the Mahavir Cancer Research Hospital.'
Many factors are responsible for raising the incidence of cervical cancer such as poverty, lack of education contributing to early marriage, many children, poor nutrition, poor hygiene and human papilloma virus infection.
"If we can save even one woman's life I would feel all our efforts have been worth it. In reality, we expect to save many more," commented Dr Rashmi Dickinson of Amber Trust. "Cancer of the cervix is an avoidable disease causing unnecessary pain and suffering. We are delighted with our new partnership with Mahavir Cancer Research Hospital and hope our efforts will raise awareness of the predisposing factors and reduce the incidence in the long run."