Cervical cancer is a global health concern with a direct impact on economies. Six hundred thousand cervical cancer cases are preventable through vaccination and screenings. Barriers to prevention and treatment include lack of knowledge, time restraints and stigma, AND Rotarians are on to it! HEWRAG news.

Women make up almost 50% of the population in the Asia Pacific; they contribute around 36% to regional GDP and are the beating heart of every health system, comprising 70% of the healthcare workforce.

More needs to be done, however, to support the health needs of these huge contributors to individual families, communities and the economy. Their unique health challenges demand targeted strategies and gender-specific policy interventions. For instance, female cancers, including cervical cancer, continue to be a massive burden to women globally. 

The Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midtown is working with a series of workshops, seminars, Zoom speakers and clinics to raise awareness on Cervical Cancer : its symptoms, detection  treatments, and The HPV vaccine. They are working in conjunction with the Indian Government and Health Department to do this, and through the Health Education and Wellness Rotary Action Group  (HEWRAG) to disseminate information.

https://d9560-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/editor_rotary9560_org/EbSxdJIc-rZMnH2-ZNOOMzYB_Bpf-UUIivBYqvU7gT220A?e=ZYLfEQ

Project Aastha is now in Phase V, with a Sensitization and Awareness Seminar on Menstrual hygiene and Cervical Cancer vaccination for adolescent girl students. The seminar was held December 2021, with girls at a Indian Government model Senior Secondary school. It was organised in collaboration with Sahayata and Rotary Chandigarh Midtown. 

Ms Sharda Ahuja and Dr Rita Kalra talked about prevention of cervical cancer and safety and efficacy of HPV Vaccination. 50 girls participated along with 3 teachers. Consent forms were distributed so that vaccination of the first dose can be initiated in January 2021. The teal green color of uniforms represents the cause : eliminating Cervical Cancer by 2030.

On January 6 2022, they carried out a Sensitization Webinar on updates in screening and management of Cervical  Cancer. It was organised by NCD Cell Civil Hospital, Panchkula, in order to observe the Cervical Cancer Awareness Month's "call to action" to eliminate Cervical Cancer by 2030, as outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The purpose is to continue to spread awareness about prevention of cervical cancer by vaccination; screening for early detection; and finally, treatment. These are very crucial in saving lives and making our future free of Cervical Cancer.

The event was coordinated by Dr Sulbha Mittal, incharge RT, and Dr Rita Kalra, nodal officer NCD CH Panchkula. The key note speaker was Prof Dr Bhavna Rai of the Department of RT PGIMER Chandigarh, who joined online to speak on staging and management of Cancer Cervix. Dr Deepshikha spoke on diagnosis and prevention of Cervical Cancer, while Dr Uma spoke about Breast Cancer prevention and management. Dr Pulokesh from Origin Life gave a detailed overview on the testing methodology for PAP smears. Dr Suvir Saxena PMO and Dr Sangeeta Singal appreciated the efforts of the team in organizing the event online. Participants were from the Cancer Sahayata society, Chandigarh, and HEWRAG members Josie Norfolk (Rotary Club of Capetown) and Kathryn Hester ( Rotary Club of Logan, Australia). Dr Rekha Singh State nodal officer for NCD urged all the participants to intensify screening for Cancer Cervix.

On February 4th 2022, on World Cancer Day, the Rotary Club of Chandigarh Midday organised a CLOSE THE CARE GAP workshop, which was well attended by many health providers of women's health.

https://www.worldcancerday.org/close-care-gap

The 26th February 2022 saw another Project Aastha Sensitization Workshop for Cervical Cancer vaccination and screening for HPV. This one was organized at the Brilliance School, Panchkula, for students and faculty. It was in response to the Call to Action to eliminate Cervical Cancer.  Dr Rita Kalra gave awareness to the attendees, but it was disturbing that most young girls and women were not aware about this disease.

So we need to bring this awareness and treatment through vaccination amongst society at a faster rate, through more seminars, workshops, school visits, webinars, social media, and keep it high in the public eye.

On occasion of International HPV Awareness Day March 4 2022, a talk by Dr Sulbha Mittal, Dr Sangeeta Singhal and Dr Rita Kalra was organised in the OPD of the Gynecological Department. It was educating women about importance of screening. PAP smears are done for women above 35 years of aged, for the early detection of Cervical Cancer and timely treatment.

Also highlighted to the attendees is the role of the HPV Vaccination in young girls for protection from this disease. Every day from 7th to 12th March in room no 18 B block PAP smears will be done for screening women to ensure a future free of Cervical Cancer. Please read the Press Note attached on World Cancer Day March 4 2022.