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 ...