Page 72 - ACCF - Stories of Resilience

few could afford.

Mrs. XYZ began experiencing discomfort in her mouth—a persistent sore that refused to heal and occasional pain while
chewing. At first, she dismissed it as a minor issue, perhaps a result of chewing betel nut, a common practice among tea
garden workers. However, as the weeks turned into months, the symptoms worsened, affecting her ability to eat and speak.
Her family, worried about her deteriorating health, urged her to visit the cancer screening camp organized by the Assam
Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) under its Community Outreach Team in January 2025. The camp was a ray of hope. The
dental surgeon (ACCF) conducted a preliminary screening and suspected something serious. Mrs. XYZ was referred to the
Darrang Cancer Centre for further tests.
The journey was not easy. Limited financial resources and a lack of awareness posed significant hurdles. The tea garden

72 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, SCREENING IS PROTECTION