In India, cancer-related deaths in women account for 68% of all fatalities

In a shocking finding, it was shown that early identification and changes to lifestyle might have avoided a significant number of cancer-related deaths among Indian women. This sobering figure highlights the essential need for education efforts, affordable healthcare, and preventative steps to fight this fatal illness. In this essay, we examine the causes of this problem and various remedies to lessen the impact of cancer on Indian women.

The Cancer Burden

With an increase in instances each year, cancer remains a serious health issue in India. Women in particular confront a particular set of difficulties. The most prevalent malignancies in Indian women are breast and cervical cancers, which also make up a significant share of cancer-related mortality.

A Silent Epidemic: Breast Cancer

The biggest cause of cancer-related mortality among Indian women is breast cancer. The number of therapy choices and survival prospects are often reduced by late-stage discovery. Early detection and awareness are essential for reversing this bleak situation.

Preventable and treatable cervical cancer

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and routine screenings like Pap tests may significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer. Unfortunately, a large number of Indian women do not have access to these preventative treatments, which increases the prevalence of this illness.

Lack of Knowledge is the Preventable Factor

Lack of Information

The lack of knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and screening procedures is one of the main causes of cancer fatalities that might have been avoided. In India, many women are not aware of the value of routine tests and checkups.

Stigma in Society

Women’s health-related taboos and stigmas in society also delay diagnosis and treatment. These strongly established conventions may cause women to be reluctant to report their concerns or seek medical attention.

the ease of accessing healthcare

Urban-Rural Gap

Healthcare facility access continues to be quite difficult, particularly in rural regions. Early cancer diagnosis is almost hard for many women living in rural areas because they lack access to cancer screening or treatment facilities.

Affordability

The expense of treating cancer might be unaffordable even when medical facilities are available. Women often have to skip necessary medical treatment because of this financial load.

The Way Forward in Women’s Empowerment

campaigns for education and awareness

Women must be made aware of the value of routine checkups, self-examinations, and preventative actions via effective education and awareness programs. Cultural sensitivities should be taken into account while designing these advertisements.

Programs for Accessible Screening

Establishing free or inexpensive cancer screening programs should be a joint effort by the government and non-governmental groups, particularly in underprivileged regions. Access to healthcare might be improved across rural and urban areas by using mobile screening units.

decreasing stigma

The stigma associated with women’s health difficulties should be lessened via community-based efforts. Women may be encouraged to seek urgent medical treatment via open dialogue and support networks.

Options for Affordable Treatment

It is necessary to make efforts to lessen the cost of cancer treatment. To supply inexpensive pharmaceuticals, this can include grants, insurance coverage, or alliances with pharmaceutical firms. The fact that 68% of cancer-related fatalities among Indian women might have been avoided is a sobering truth that cannot be disregarded. At every level of society, coordinated efforts are required to solve this problem. There is significant effort to be done, from raising knowledge and accessibility to removing cultural taboos. We can drastically decrease the number of Indian women who die from cancer and assure a healthier, cancer-free future by taking preventative steps and making a communal commitment to change.