How to make a strong Cervical Cancer free society?

Cervical Cancer affected me many years ago when I faced severe uterus pain. The unbearable pain made me visit a small clinic in my village – Gundachi Wadi. The doctor in the clinic prescribed few medicines which provided temporary relief. Eventually I felt that something wasn’t right and hence I got myself rechecked by the doctor who suggested me to visit a hospital. Due to my financial condition and plenty of other challenges such as family responsibilities and the nature of my work, I failed to take a second opinion and visit the hospital.   Finally, on 11th of August, Parveen Ali- an ASHA volunteer visited my place. She was the first person to make me aware about Cervical cancer and the importance of healthcare check-ups. She informed me about the screening camps which were taking place in my village. Parveen handed me a form which I had to fill up. That is when I realized that I was familiar with the symptoms which were mentioned in the form. I immediately dec...

A PAP Smear test is not a popular activity, but the 5 minutes procedure is the most essential and lifesaving test for women. Hence it is very important for all women to get the right information about PAP Smear and its significance to ease the fear of the medical tests. This test is essential for detecting Cervical Cancer. It is always a best practice for all women between the age group of 21 to 65 to plan an annual visit for cervical cancer examination, which is PAP Smear test or HPV test. It not just tells women about the risk of cervical cancer but also warns women about several gynecological issues. To reduce the mortality rate of cervical cancer in the rural areas, we organize regular healthcare check-up camps in the rural areas of Aurangabad. These camps are conducted in various villages where, medical check-ups are done in our well-equipped mobile van ‘Clinic on Wheels’. Here, we offer a free Pap Smear and Calposcopy tests along with the general medical check-ups. T...

Cervical cancer does not reveal any symptoms during its early stage. This Cancer can only be diagnosed through a PAP Smear screening test. Hence to reduce the risk factor, all women are recommended to go through this test at least once every 3 years until the age of 30. There are thousands of women who miss to evaluate their general state of health and increase the risk of developing Cervical Cancer. This scenario is predominant in rural India. So it is important to do an early check-up and have a better chance of successful treatment. The mortality rate of Cervical Cancer is much higher in the rural areas and India tops the list globally. This being a 100% preventable disease, women must be aware about the symptoms. To eradicate this, it is important that rural areas should have regular awareness and detection programs. To bring in the change we want to see, we, GeBBS Foundation regularly spread awareness and organize healthcare camps in the rural areas of Aurangabad. Th...

PAP Smear test can save a life! A PAP Smear test done in every 3 years can prevent Cervical Cancer. Women in rural India have shied away from talking about the precaution of the disease or getting themselves tested. Things like fear, embarrassment and anxiety act as a barrier to go through the PAP Smear test. These are some of the factors that have increased the risk of cervical cancer amongst women in rural India. Women in rural India are not proactive and due to the lack of awareness, many acquire this life-threatening disease. We at GeBBS Foundation are aware that Cervical Cancer is a preventable disease if detected early. We know that regular awareness and early screening might decrease the mortality associated with it. Hence with our partners - MGM and Zillah Parishad enable women to be aware about Cervical Cancer symptoms and thereby reducing inhibitions associated with the screening program. We have a fantastic group of MGM doctors and Zillah Parishad’s Asha volunte...

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 ...