How to make a strong Cervical Cancer free society?

My name is Shantabai Devidas Thorat. I live in Manjari village located in Gangapur Taluka of Aurangabad. The region that we live in is prone to frequent droughts as a result of which, a lot of residents face harsh living conditions along with several financial problems. Because of such conditions that I lived in, I was trying to avoid seeking medical help, despite suffering for many years. One fine day, I was informed about a health checkup camp being held in our village by Bharti Jalinder Malkar. Bharti who happens to be an ASHA worker also got the enrolment form filled for me at the local government hospital. On the day of the health camp, I went to get myself tested along with the other women of the village. I was told to come to MGM Hospital, once I received my reports. After having shown my reports, I was admitted at the MGM hospital for my treatment for cervical cancer . I underwent a cervical hysterectomy and the subsequent treatment which was 100 % free. T

We have heard for years that physical activity is important for your health.   Many people exercise to prevent heart disease. But did you know that exercise can also play a key role in preventing cancer – especially breast cancer ? Over a couple of dozen studies have shown that women who exercise, have a 30 to 40 percent lower risk of breast cancer than their less active counterparts. Exercise may lower cancer risk by helping control weight, controlling release of hormones like estrogen, and strengthen the immune system. Additionally, exercise can boost quality of life during cancer treatment. High estrogen levels in blood can lead to an increased risk for breast cancer. Exercise lowers blood estrogen, leading to a reduced breast-cancer risk. Exercise also reduces other cancer-growth factors such as insulin. Physical activity has been associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. However, this is more pronounced in postmeno

·          Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among women in India ·          India is experiencing an increase in the cases of breast cancer in the age group of 30 to 50 and the same is likely to increase ·          Only 66.1% women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2014 could survive. India happens to have one of the lowest survival rates for breast cancer ·          One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, in India, every 4 minutes ·          India has a predominant young population and hence the number of women being diagnosed with breast cancer is only going to increase. In a nutshell, breast cancer cannot be prevented. If it has to happen, it will happen. However, the mortality due to breast cancer can definitely be reduced. This is possible only through awareness of breast cancer symptoms and reporting to the doctor on time. Early detection of breast cancer can save a number of lives!

About one-third of the cases of cervical cancer across the globe are from India. A major cause of cervical cancer is the human papilloma virus (HPV) infection which is a result of poor genital hygiene. The disease develops at a slow pace and most women tend to ignore the symptoms. It is only when it reaches its advanced stage, when their condition aggravates. Sadly, the treatment at this stage becomes difficult with low success rate. Cervical cancer is preventable if the disease is detected at an early stage and is treated on time. A Pap smear is very important to detect the HPV infection at an early stage and thereby, prevent cervical cancer. The Papanicolaou test or the Pap smear is a method of cervical screening used to detect potentially precancerous and cancerous processes in the cervix. I am extremely happy to see that GeBBS Foundation is actively championing this cause. It is heartening to see it supporting women’s empowerment and health with its efforts to erad