New Delhi, Aug 11
In a new initiative to combat cancer, more than 150 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers have been trained to detect and diagnose cervical and breast cancer at its earliest stages.
The initiative, led by the National Association for Reproductive and Child Health of India (NARCHI), in collaboration with the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, was launched in Delhi at the 31st Annual Conference, held from August 8 to 10.
The training covered symptom recognition for cervical and breast cancer referral protocols to ensure patients are guided swiftly to diagnostic centers, and communication skills to break the stigma and fear associated with cancer.
ASHAs were also introduced to simple tracking tools, both paper-based and mobile-friendly, to help log suspected cases and follow up effectively.
“Early detection can boost survival rates to over 90 per cent, compared to less than 40 per cent for late-stage diagnoses, especially for breast, cervical, and oral cancers. By empowering our ASHA heroes to recognise the earliest warning signs of cancer, we’re not waiting for disease -- we’re stopping it before it gains ground,” said Dr. Mala Srivastava, President of NARCHI Delhi chapter.