Almost half i.e. 46.4% women in Kerala do not self-examine for any sign of breast cancer and about 40.6% women never checked themselves, says a survey.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females and early detection can help in reducing mortality.

In a representative sample of 3041 Kerala women in the age group of 18-60 years across the 14 districts, 66.1% said they are aware of the self-examination checkup and its importance but 46.4% do not practice this, which may indicate awareness not being transformed into practice.

Breast cancer is the leading cancer cause in Kerala followed by Cervical cancer, Leukaemia and Lung cancer says the survey. The survey revealed that 64.2% of respondents have cancer history in the immediate family members.

The survey was undertaken by Caritas India to understand the awareness level in the general community, particularly among the women in Kerala. Dileesh Varghese, Caritas India MEAL Manager presented the findings of the breast cancer- its symptoms, treatment, and prevention by analysing the knowledge level of respondents on breast cancer and it causes; preventive measures are taken by respondents; lifestyle practices of respondents; and identify the gaps in breast cancer awareness and develop an action plan for future.

Since 2014, Caritas India is running Ashakiranam, the Cancer Care Campaign, a humanitarian concern of the Catholic Church in India, to increase the awareness level of communities through preparedness for cancer prevention, helping early detection and treatment, promoting safe and healthy food habits and taking-up cancer research initiatives with support from leading hospitals in Kerala. The campaign is implemented through 31 Diocesan Social Service Societies at the grassroots level in 14 districts of Kerala.

“The findings will prove to be an added asset to the health department in Kerala,” said Fr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director of Caritas India during the virtual release of the survey. He said that there is a growing need to convert knowledge into behavioural practices and a new roadmap for Ashakiranam should be envisioned through this virtual platform. “Together we can move mountains, there are many examples of teamwork exhibited through Ashakiranam. Lessons from the women collectives in Vypin who participated in cancer detection and awareness promotion among communities is a good example”, he shared. He reiterated that using the findings from this survey, we should promote early detection and use facilities that are available in the State to promote cancer resilience in Kerala.

The overall data reflects that there is a lot of scopes to improve the awareness level among the general community. There is a knowledge gap among the community on breast cancer, symptoms, and self-breast examination. This could be improved through mass awareness campaigns. It was also found that even those community members who were aware of the symptoms and prevention measures, were not converting that knowledge into practice. Therefore, consistent association and messaging within the community is required.

Fr. Jolly Puthenpura, Assistant Executive Director of Caritas India expressed that the findings of the breast cancer survey will lead to new trend-setting information that requires deeper thinking. He also shared that the information and knowledge gained from this virtual platform could further lead to strengthening the Ashakiranam Cancer Campaign led by the 31 DSSSs in Kerala and grassroots volunteers.

“It is surprising to see oesophageal cancer at a higher level, surprising as tobacco-related cancers were low ranked in the survey,” shard Dr. P. Jaishankar moderating the session. He also pointed out that though the respondents didn’t adequately exercise, it is to be noted that most people are from the lower socio-economic strata and are engaged in physical activity. He also shared that the food patterns in Kerala are changing, however, it does not have a direct association with breast cancer. But we should maintain a healthy diet.

Dr. Mohan Nair expressed that this is the first time a cancer survey that encompasses all age groups and 14 districts have been conducted. He further suggested we could have also added 70 years as another age group. He suggested that using this data, we can talk about preventive aspects of breast cancer. Younger people do not have awareness about self-breast examinations. Therefore, we should organize programmes to educate them.

Thanking the Caritas India Ashakiranam team for spearheading the Ashakiranam campaign. Dr. Yamini shared that the difference Ashakiranam campaign has created is reflected in the survey: more than 60% of the respondents being aware of breast cancer is a positive sign. She also shared her clinical practice experience and said that almost 25 women below 25 years were identified to have breast cancer. This shows that BC among the younger generation is increasing. So, awareness and information dissemination among younger women is the need of the hour.

“This could be the beginning to more extensive surveys and dissemination of survey at the grassroots level among the lowest socio-economic groups,” expressed Dr. Jojo. V. Thomas. He said a mobile mammogram unit by Caritas India would be another way ahead based on the survey findings.

Fr. Jacob Mavunkal, Director – KSSF advocated for changes in lifestyle practices – promoting the need for regular exercise among women, encouraging their participation in programmes like Keralolsavam and increased participation of mothers in PTA meetings in schools where BC awareness can then be imparted. He also discussed to share the mobile mammogram services of KIDS Kottapuram across the State by developing a schedule for the same.

“Kerala has been spearheading the cancer campaign of Caritas India with many innovative ideas that have evolved through the years since its inception in 2014. The BC survey was a breakthrough and is an entry point for us to begin new initiatives – from sensitization to palliative care. She also thanked the CI Kerala team and DSSSs who were involved in the survey and the panelists for their insights on the findings,” shared Babita Pinto, Manager – Operations