HT Correspondent
DIBRUGARH, Dec 20: Tata Trusts launched the ‘Gaanth Pe Dhyaan’ initiative at Dibrugarh Cancer Care Centre in an effort to raise awareness about early detection of breast cancer.
The event, held at the Dibrugarh Cancer Centre, a unit of the Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) in collaboration with Tata Trusts, marked a unique milestone in the broader ‘Kaise Ka Cancer’ campaign. ‘Gaanth Pe Dhyaan’ seeks to foster awareness, facilitate open discussions, and inspire community engagement in addressing breast cancer. The campaign utilizes the metaphor of ‘lumps in food’ to underscore the significance of breast self-examinations among women.
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Dr Nabajyoti Choudhury, medical director & unit head at Dibrugarh Cancer Centre, highlighted the prevalence of cancer in the North-East of India and the imperative need for early detection. He highlighted that ‘Gaanth Pe Dhyaan’ aims to overcome the fear associated with screening, encouraging women to take proactive measures for their breast health through regular self-examinations and clinical screenings.
With breast cancer disproportionately affecting women in India and over 50 percent of cases diagnosed in the late stages, Tata Trusts is committed to reversing this trend by engaging with women and promoting the importance of early detection. The campaign draws inspiration from women’s meticulous approach to cooking, urging them to apply the same diligence to their health by conducting regular self-examinations for any signs of a ‘gaanth’ (lump) that could potentially be cancerous.
The ‘Gaanth Pe Dhyaan’ campaign, now in its fourth edition, has been conducted in various locations, including Ranchi, Kolkata, and Tirupati. In Dibrugarh, the initiative featured chef Santa Sarmah, the runner-up of MasterChef Season 7, as a partner.
The ACCF, a collaborative effort between the Government of Assam and Tata Trusts, focuses on establishing a comprehensive cancer care network in Assam. Since 2018, ACCF has set up state-of-the-art cancer care facilities across the state, strategically located to ensure accessibility within a three-hour travel radius for residents. These facilities provide advanced treatment, including diagnostics and radiation therapy, with a focus on making quality cancer care affordable and accessible under government healthcare schemes.
The ACCF’s mission aligns with the government’s efforts to strengthen cancer care and preventive services through community-based activities, emphasizing awareness, prevention, early detection, optimal treatment, and palliative care within the existing healthcare system.
