Kusum Cervical Cancer Detection Programme for Rural Women

Description

Cervical cancer is the cancer of mouth of uterus or womb, known as cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. Cervical cancer means that cells in cervix are growing abnormally and out of control. The cancer cells can spread to other parts of body as well. Cervical cancer is caused by infection by a virus, called the Human Papillomavirus or HPV.

HPV spreads through sexual contract. Cervical cancer is the commonest cancer among women in India. Every seven minutes, a woman dies of cervical cancer. According to ‘Cervical Cancer Global Crisis Card’ released by the Cervical Cancer-Free Coalition, India represents 26.4 percent of all women dying of cervical cancer globally1. Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer can often be successfully treated when it’s found early. It is usually found at a very early stage through a Pap test. A Pap test can find changes in cervical cells before they turn into cancer. Most adult women get infected with HPV at some time. An infection may go away on its own. But sometimes it can cause genital warts or lead to cervical cancer. That’s why it’s important for women to have regular Pap tests. Treatment of Cervical cancer . Treatment of cervical cancer is by extensive surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy depending on the stage of the disease. Depending on how much the cancer has grown, one may require one or more treatments or a combination of treatments. Alternatively, the good news is that, it is now possible to prevent cervical cancer in women by vaccination. Three doses of the vaccine are recommended for all women belonging to the age group of 9- 45 years. The earlier the vaccine is given, better the protection

ABOUT KUSUM CERVICAL CENCER DETECTION PROGRAMME FOR RURAL WOMEN “Kusum” is a hindi word which means “Nanhi Kali”. Since mother’s womb represents life, which is grown out of a cell, hence the name is given “Kusum”. Through Mauli Multipurpose Charitable Society, we have been running this project in 10 selected villages of Karad block. As of now, we have screened 670 women. The early detected cases have been referred for treatment and vaccination. We want to expand these in 10 more selected villages in Karad block and are desirous to screen 1000 rural women for cervical cancer.

Rational for the Project Annual screening for cervical cancer is recommended in all women if they are over 30 years of age or sexually active for three years, irrespective of their immunization status of HPV. The Pap test is the best way to find cervical cell changes that can lead to cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests almost always show these cell changes before they turn into cancer. Due to lack of awareness and Health care facilities, most of the rural women ignore the early signs of cervical cancer. When it’s too late, they approach higher medical institutions and go for costly treatment procedures. This creates extra financial burden for the family which leads them to debt, poverty and sometime suicide too.

Screening Cost Screening of Cervical Cancer among rural women requires a group of Professional Team, which includes:

1. Doctor- Dose screening and creates awareness in rural areas

2. Pathologist – Dose lab testing of samples

3. Trained Social Worker- Organizes community members for Pap Test & Follow up

4. Driver- Transportations

Proposed Budget: The screening cost includes: Pap test+ Doctors Fees + Pathology Lab test charges+ Social Worker fees+ Transportation which comes around 1000 rs per patient. We are targeting to screen 1000 women i.e. 1000*100=100000 rupees