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Breast cancer screening in India: Breast and cervical cancer are two big challenges that can disrupt the lives of women. Experts say that if these diseases are detected early, then treatment is easy. But the worrying thing is that most of the women in India do not get these diseases checked, which has different reasons.
Recent figures show that only 0.9 percent of women in India get their breasts checked and only 1.09 percent of women get their cervical cancer screened. That means only one woman out of every 100 women is getting them checked. These figures are very worrying. Let us tell you that these figures have been released in the Biomed Central (BMC) Public Health magazine.
On the other hand, if states are compared, then this figure is slightly better in Tamil Nadu. Here about 10 percent of women get tested, whereas the figures in Assam are very worrying, in which it has been told that only 0.5 percent of women in Assam get screened. The highest use of mammography has been recorded in Kerala and Karnataka. In Kerala it was 4.5% and in Karnataka it was 2.9%, while Nagaland recorded the lowest rate of zero%, while Andhra Pradesh recorded 0.1% and Uttarakhand was at the bottom with 0.27%.
What are the reasons for not getting screened?
1- Lack of awareness
The first reason behind the lack of cancer screening among women in India is lack of awareness. In India, many women still do not know whether cancer screening is available or not. Or if it is available, then when should it be done.
2- Hesitation and shame
The second problem is hesitation and shame. In our society, problems related to women’s health, especially private parts, are not discussed openly. This hesitation prevents them from going to the doctor.
3- Financial constraints are an important reason
Another big problem is the lack of facilities and money. Also, there is a lack of availability of screening centers in small towns and villages. Also, due to lack of information, women do not pay attention to this disease unless there is any major problem. But the biggest problem with these diseases is that the initial symptoms are not visible. By the time the disease is detected, it has already progressed a lot.
Benefits of timely screening
In breast cancer, mammography and self-examination can detect the initial lump.
Pap Smear and HPV test are very effective for cervical cancer.
These tests can detect cancer at an early stage.
The chances of treatment being successful increase up to 90%.
How to increase awareness of testing
The activism of women health workers should be increased. Increase awareness campaign programs. Women should be made aware first. Explain to them that there is no need to be afraid or ashamed of getting tested. Explain to women that early testing can save lives. The government should also increase the facility of free camps and testing. Maximum facilities should be provided so that rural and poor women can also take advantage of it.
