Empowering Women Through Cancer Awareness and Screening
New Delhi [India], March 21: The Cancer Awareness, Prevention & Early Detection Trust (CAPED), in collaboration with AstraZeneca India and OneStage (formerly Charities Aid Foundation India), is making remarkable strides in enhancing women’s healthcare through its impactful Ganga Godavari Cancer Screening Program.
Successful Screening Initiative
Now in its third year, this initiative has successfully facilitated cancer screenings for over 18,600 women, focusing on cervical, breast, and oral cancers, particularly in underprivileged communities. Following a successful first year in Mathura (2022-23), where 4,605 women were screened, the project has expanded its efforts to Delhi for the 2023-24 period, screening 6,037 women across 55 camps.
Aspiring Towards Greater Goals
With an ambitious goal of screening 8,000 women by March 2025, the program has already reached 6,893 screenings in 70 camps by March 8, 2025. CAPED employs door-to-door mobilization and community screening camps to ensure that marginalized women gain access to vital cancer screenings.
Comprehensive Support for Patients
In addition, the initiative features a Patient Navigation Program that provides essential counseling and logistical assistance for further diagnosis and treatment to those who screen positive. Strategic partnerships with esteemed institutions such as AIIMS, NICPR, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Lady Hardinge Medical College, and Ramakrishna Mission Sevashrama Charitable Hospital enhance patient support and follow-up care.
Empowering Community Health Workers
The project has also empowered over 300 ASHA workers through training and screening, equipping them with lived experience to improve community outreach for cancer awareness and prevention.
Commitment to Early Detection
Dr. Mridu Gupta emphasizes, “Early detection saves lives. By bringing screenings directly to communities, we empower women with knowledge and access to healthcare that can make a life-changing difference.” The aim is to ensure that no woman is left behind due to a lack of awareness or resources, with a strong commitment to expanding this initiative and integrating sustainable cancer screening models into public healthcare systems.
Looking to the Future
As the current project cycle approaches completion, CAPED is dedicated to further extending its reach and establishing additional collaborations to create sustainable, government-integrated cancer screening programs in the future.
