On National Cancer Awareness Day, Dr Shirish Ghadi, Public Health and Nutrition Specialist, Transform Rural India explains why prioritising the strengthening of cancer diagnostic facilities at secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities is essential

“Thank you, sir, for initiating cancer screening services at our Primary Health Centres and Subcentres. Last month, one of our Self-Help Group (SHG) members passed away due to breast cancer. She was unaware of her ailment, and by the time it was detected, it was already too late! If we had known about it earlier, she would still be with us. I will personally ensure that every SHG member from my cluster and women in their family get screened for breast and cervical cancer at the nearest public health facility.”

These were the words of one of the community resource persons from Umed, Maharashtra State Rural Livelihood Mission when we briefed them about Mission Anandi. Our work in regenerative development involves working closely with women in rural India to enhance their income through livelihood. Even as we strive to enhance the annual earnings of women from rural India, just one major illness like cancer, can set back the entire economic progress they have made over the years.