How to make a strong Cervical Cancer free society?

Cervical Cancer is a major public health challenge in rural India. In India every 7 minutes 1 woman dies of Cervical Cancer. The prevalence of Cervical Cancer is higher among rural women in India and women from low socioeconomic status. Lack of awareness, lack of proper screening protocol is partially responsible for this alarmingly high prevalence. To prevail the burden of this disease, we, GeBBS Foundation continuously organize Cervical Cancer screening programs in the rural areas of Aurangabad. Our partnered bodies – Zilla Parishad and MGM Hospital help us organize effective mass screening programs which include PAP Smear tests and other general check-ups at different villages in Aurangabad in our well-equipped mobile van ‘ Clinic on Wheels ’. As stated by Dr. Nikita Singh MBBS, Resident MGM doctor “To promote greater awareness of the preventability of cervical cancer development, I recommend that PAP Smear Screening should be conducted for all women between 30...

I am Sunanda Gade, an ASHA worker who always spreads awareness about Cervical Cancer to encourage participation in the rural areas of Aurangabad. However, I was unaware about the symptoms that progressed considerably in my body. To me, my diagnosis came as a complete surprise when I attended the awareness workshop organized by GeBBS Foundation which took place in one of the primary healthcare centers at Dhakephal village . I got an intimation call from one of my ASHA colleagues to attend the awareness camp and I visited the venue to attend and join in spreading the Cervical Cancer awareness in one of the villages. In this awareness camp I along with the other ASHA colleagues, were informed about the symptoms of Cervical Cancer and Breast Cancer and the ways to prevent the disease. I was shocked into silence realizing that I was experiencing similar issues. I realized that I was going through a lot of similar problems which indicated Cervical Cancer. I was informed duri...

Cervical Cancer is a preventable disease if there is periodic and proper screening and appropriate follow-up care. It is a disease that can be cured if detected and treated during early stages. Cervical Cancer is mostly caused by a virus called HPV (Human Papilloma Virus). Can the screening test help detect HPV? There are two screening tests that can help prevent cervical cancer or detect it early. The PAP test (or PAP smear) and the HPV. The PAP test looks for precancerous and cell changes on the cervix that might develop cervical cancer if not treated correctly. The HPV test looks for the virus HPV – (human papillomavirus) that can cause these cell changes. The PAP test is recommended for women in the 30-60 age group. This test can either be done at the Doctor’s clinic or at the Cervical Cancer awareness camps organized in different villages. To reduce the burden/spread of this disease in the rural areas, we conduct free check-up camps in the rural areas ...

6 risk factors that can increase a woman’s risk in developing Cervical Cancer Cervical Cancer is one of the most common and widespread diseases amongst women worldwide. Hence it is important to identify the risk factors associated with this disease. We continuously aim to reduce the incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer. This can be only achieved by identifying and preventing the risk factors: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Research shows that infection with this virus is a risk factor for cervical cancer. There are over 100 different types of HPV, amongst which only HPV16 and HPV18 are associated with cervical cancer. Weak immune system: A weak immune system is unable to destroy or curtail the growth and spread of cancer cells or infections like HPV. Smoking: Smoking tobacco doubles the risk of developing cervical cancer. It is an established fact that the by-products of tobacco damage the DNA in the cervix. I...

A 5 minute PAP Smear test created an impact for women in rural areas of Aurangabad It is a proven fact that Cervical and Breast cancers are preventable, treatable and curable if detected early. This is what drives us to organize regular camps in the rural areas of Aurangabad. We consistently work towards creating an awareness of this disease to women in rural India. In the last two weeks we have conducted mobile PAP Smear screening for over 120 women in Aurangabad, India. With our well-equipped mobile van ‘ Clinic on Wheels ’ we have provided healthcare support to women with the right test at the right time. The mobile van has diagnostic equipments and a team of MGMdoctors, Aurangabad Zillah Parishad personnel and volunteers to conduct the screening process for women of 30 to 60 age group in Aurangabad district . Our recent camps have been organized in Dhorkin, Dhupkheda, Mulani Wadgaon, Lohagaon and Panwadod. We continue to fight Cervical cancer and provide helpful ...

Detect and Protect women in the rural areas of Aurangabad from Cervical Cancer Our success stories bring hope and encouragement to women who have been affected by Cervical and Breast cancer in Aurangabad. One such success story is Gayabai’s path to recovery . Below is her success story in her own words: “I, Gayabai was suffering from abdominal pain which was growing day by day, and then there was a complete necessity to visit the local clinic. The doctor at the clinic suggested to get a treatment done from a hospital in the city. Due to my financial status, I was unable to proceed with the treatment. It was then through ASHA workers that I came to know about GeBBS Foundation and got an opportunity to visit their free check-up camp conducted at Borgao in Aurangabad.   The doctors who inspected me suggested to visit the MGM hospital at Aurangabad. At MGM hospital, the doctors checked and immediately admitted me. I had to go through an Abdominal Hysterectomy process on 2...

Women in rural India experience a lot of healthcare issues especially in the field of Cancer. Cervical and breast cancer is the second and most common disease amongst women. As information about these diseases are limited, it is paramount to spread awareness and provide timely access to all the women in the rural areas. To take this forward and empower the women in the rural areas of the society we, at GeBBS Foundation have decided to select few districts in India and provide healthcare support by utilizing our resources and efforts.   At present our focus is on Aurangabad and Jalna district. We have currently organized a series of healthcare camps at Auranagabad with the help of our partnered hospital MGM (Mahatma Gandhi Mission hospital) and the Zilla Parishad (a local government organization on district level) of Aurangabad. MGM is one of the most advanced, reputed and multi-specialty care centers. The hospital not only provides curative treatment but also pro...