Shillong: A collaborative initiative between the Meghalaya Health Department and Hyderabad-based non-profit Grace Cancer Foundation (GCF) is making steady progress in bringing cancer awareness and early detection services to rural communities across the state.
The ongoing free health screening programme, which began on April 9 in the Garo Hills region, has now reached the Mawshynrut block in West Khasi Hills district. The initiative focuses on oral cancer screening while also offering basic health check-ups, including blood pressure, diabetes, and thyroid tests.
Health teams are conducting on-site blood tests, with medicines provided following diagnosis. The camps are being carried out in coordination with ASHA workers, sub-centre staff, and Primary Health Centre (PHC) personnel to ensure grassroots-level outreach. Dr Kharbani is accompanying the team, providing free medical consultations.
According to Monica, HR Executive at Grace Cancer Foundation, lack of awareness remains a major challenge in rural areas. “Many people are still unaware of important tests like Pap smear and even about cervical cancer. There is also limited awareness about symptoms of diseases like diabetes and hypertension,” she said.
Echoing similar concerns, an ASHA facilitator from Shallang PHC noted that the term “cancer” often creates fear among people, leading to hesitation in participating in such programmes. “There is still a mindset barrier, but we are also seeing a positive response because such camps are rare in these areas,” she added.
Despite initial reluctance, the response to the camps has been encouraging. At a screening camp held at Shallang Market on Monday, a total of 130 people registered, with health workers detecting 16 new cases of hypertension and nine cases of diabetes.
The outreach expanded further on Tuesday at Umdang Market, taking advantage of the weekly market day to reach a larger population. Around 150 people registered for the free health check-up. The team conducted 25 mammography screenings, 14 Pap smear tests, and 19 X-rays during the day.
Grace Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to cancer prevention and early detection, particularly among underserved communities. Its work includes conducting free screening camps for breast, cervical, and oral cancers, spreading awareness about preventive healthcare, and implementing HPV vaccination programmes to reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Currently, the foundation is working in collaboration with the Meghalaya government and the State Cancer Society to expand its outreach in West Khasi Hills. The initiative aims to improve early detection of cancer, promote awareness, and ensure access to essential screening services in remote parts of the state.