years old Soni Devi (changed name) is a resident of Barkajara hamlet of Banda village in Gola block of Jharkhand. She lives with her husband, two children and her parents-in-law. Agriculture is the only source of income of her family. Soni visited Swasthya Sawari camp on 14th of July, 2023 with a complaint of breathing problem. She underwent screening for breast cancer. Due to some abnormalities she was found suspected of breast cancer and was counselled and referred to the District Hospital for further diagnosis and treatment.
With the support of Swasthya Sawari, Soni went to the District Hospital on 23rd of September, 2023. She was prescribed few medicines by the Doctor and suggested her to visit again after completing the course of medicines. Currently she is taking the medicines provided by the Doctor.
Being the most common form of cancer among women, breast cancer accounts for 14% of all cancer in women. One in 28 women is likely to develop breast cancer in lifetime. Most of the cases of breast cancer are detected in advanced stages which makes the treatment complicated. Despite being the most common cancer in women, most of the women are unaware about it. Due to unawareness, the screening rate for breast cancer is low, hence the diagnosis is delayed.
To bridge the gap in the cancer screening facility Jivika has partnered with The Government of Jharkhand and CreditAccess India Foundation. Through Swasthya Sawari cancer screening facility of the most common cancers (breast, oral and cervical cancer) is being provided in the hard-to-reach remote villages of Gola, Ramgarh.
Note: Name of the beneficiary has been changed for privacy reasons.