Page 87 - Essentia Vol 5 Issue 1

VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026 VOL V | ISSUE I | 5 AUGUST 2026
A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION A BIANNUAL NEWSLETTER OF ASSAM CANCER CARE FOUNDATION

Early Detection,

Better Outcomes

Addressing Women’s

Cancer in Assam

Daisy Sarma
Front Office Executive
Darrang Cancer Centre

ancer is one of the major health challenges
affecting women in Assam. While some and misconceptions about cancer often prevent
Ccancers, such as ovarian and cervical women from seeking medical help at the first sign
cancer, occur only in women, others like breast of symptoms.
cancer are among the most common. Women can Creating awareness, improving access to
also develop cancers that affect both men and screening and encouraging open conversations
women, including lung, colorectal, thyroid and skin about women’s health can make a real
cancers. difference. Families, healthcare workers and
One of the biggest challenges is that cancer often community organisations all have an important
develops silently. Warning signs may include role in supporting women to seek timely care.
unusual lumps, abnormal bleeding, persistent pain, Their continued efforts are not only improving
unexplained weight loss or prolonged fatigue. healthcare delivery but also bringing hope, dignity
Although these symptoms do not always indicate and reassurance to countless patients and their
cancer, any unusual or persistent change should be families.
checked by a healthcare professional.
Breast and cervical cancers continue to be a What Delays Cancer
major concern in Assam and across India. Many Diagnosis in
women, especially those in rural and remote
areas, are diagnosed at a later stage because Women
of limited awareness, lack of regular screening
and difficulties in accessing healthcare. Regular Ê Limited awareness
health check-ups and timely screening can help
detect cancer early, when treatment is often more Ê Difficult access to healthcare
effective. Ê Social stigma
Cancer is also being diagnosed more frequently Ê Fear or embarrassment
in younger women. While there is no single reason, Ê Family and financial concerns
lifestyle, environmental and biological factors
may all play a role. At the same time, stigma, fear Ê Misconceptions that cancer is always fatal

86 The right treatment at the right time can change a life. 87