Designing and Implementing a Cancer Screening Program for Underserved Tribal Women in Jharkhand.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Public Health
• Community Medicine

Background:

• Cancer screening rates for cervical, breast, and oral cancers are alarmingly low in Jharkhand, India, particularly among tribal populations.
• Existing disparities highlight the need for accessible and effective cancer screening initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of a community-led cancer screening program in Jharkhand.
• To assess the program's effectiveness in providing a continuum of care from screening to treatment.

Main Methods:

• A community-led approach was adopted, involving cancer awareness, risk assessment, and screening for oral, breast, and cervical cancers.
• Services included specialized cancer insurance, diagnostics for positive cases, and treatment referrals.

Main Results:

• Over 16,875 women underwent risk assessments, with 5,993 (34.9%) participating in screenings.
• Screening identified 6 confirmed cancer cases, with 22.4% of screened women requiring advanced diagnostics and treatment.
• A significant proportion of HPV-positive cases (70%) were high-risk types beyond HPV 16 and 18.

Conclusions:

• The program aimed to overcome challenges in cancer care delivery, including fragmented services, accessibility, and affordability.
• Despite efforts, the transition from cancer screening to definitive treatment remained a significant challenge.