Five Tribal Women Struggle with Advanced Cervical Cancer at PakurHealth Camp

In a disturbing trend, five women from vulnerable tribal groups in Jharkhand's Naxal-affected region were diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer after attending a health camp held in Pakur over the weekend. The initiative, launched by IMA Women's Wing, National Health Mission, and Pakur district administration, saw 3,500 patients visit the mega health camp, which primarily focused on screening PVTG women from Naxal-affected regions.

According to Dr Bharti Kashyap, senior official of Indian Medical Association Jharkhand's women's wing, the staggering number of advanced cervical cancer cases highlighted the alarming need for regular health screenings in rural areas. "All five patients with advanced cervical cancer have been referred to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims), Ranchi for further diagnosis and treatment," Dr Kashyap noted.

The camp also identified 14 cases of cervical erosion and seven pre-cancer cases, all of whom were promptly treated by the medical team. Attracting prominent figures like Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MLA Stephen Marandi was a testament to the event's significance in addressing healthcare needs in remote areas, especially focusing on women's health issues among vulnerable tribal communities.

Interestingly, vision problems were a more prevalent issue than cervical cancer, with 451 cases recorded, including 175 cataract cases. Dr Kashyap laid the blame for this disparity on factors like poor immunity, multiple pregnancies, and early marriage.

This high number of cervical cancer cases highlights the urgent need for regular health screenings in these regions. The recent initiative demonstrates that proactive measures can help mitigate the risks associated with HPV infections and ensure timely detection and treatment, thereby paving the way towards better health outcomes among these communities.