More than 100 women from rural and tribal communities benefited from a free breast cancer awareness and screening camp organised jointly by Isha Outreach and Ganga Hospital at the Adiyogi premises on Sunday (July 12).
The camp was conducted for women from tribal villages surrounding the Isha Yoga Center, with breast cancer screening carried out using modern diagnostic equipment provided by Ganga Hospital.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Raja Shanmuga Krishnan, Breast Cancer and Plastic Surgery Specialist at Ganga Hospital, said, “Since 2020, Ganga Hospital has been conducting breast cancer awareness and screening camps under Project Sakthi. This is our 150th camp. So far, we have screened more than 10,000 women. Among them, 81 women diagnosed with breast cancer have received treatment free of cost.”
He added that the hospital partnered with the Isha Foundation, which has been actively involved in community service, to organise the milestone 150th screening camp at the Adiyogi premises. “All examinations were conducted completely free of charge, and participants were also provided with medical counselling,” he said.
M. Chandrakasa, Coordinator of Isha Outreach, said Ganga Hospital has played a significant role in creating awareness about breast cancer. He noted that Isha Outreach has partnered with the hospital in 18 free breast cancer screening camps conducted so far.
“Across these 18 camps, 873 women have undergone screening. Seven women were diagnosed with breast cancer and received free treatment from Ganga Hospital until they made a full recovery,” he said.
He further observed that tribal women generally hesitate to attend medical screening camps, but sustained awareness efforts have encouraged greater participation. He welcomed Ganga Hospital's decision to dedicate its 150th screening camp to tribal women and expressed pride in collaborating with the hospital on the initiative.