Home / Health / Assam Launches Free Mammograms for Women Over 40
Assam Launches Free Mammograms for Women Over 40
29 Sep
Summary
- Over 77% of breast cancer patients at ACCF hospitals are aged 40-70.
- Assam launched a free mammography campaign for women aged 40 and above.
- The initiative aims to conduct up to 4,000 screenings monthly.
In a significant public health initiative, Assam has commenced a free mammography campaign for women aged 40 and older. This program aims to detect breast cancer early and facilitate timely treatment, thereby improving patient outcomes and lessening the financial strain on those affected.
The campaign is being rolled out across 10 Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) centers, with a target of approximately 3,600 to 4,000 mammograms to be conducted each month. This effort is particularly relevant given that statistics from the past four years show over 77% of the 3,313 breast cancer patients treated at ACCF hospitals were within the 40 to 70 age bracket.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the National Health Mission and the state health department. ACCF teams will work with community health workers, including ASHAs, auxiliary nurses, and anganwadi workers, along with self-help groups, to mobilize eligible women for screenings. Hospital patient assistants will provide support during examinations, ensuring a supportive environment for all participants.