Free breast, cervix cancer screening camp benefits 70 women in Mandi

A major step towards promoting women’s health awareness was taken on Monday as the Rotary Club Mandi and Rotary Club Chhoti Kashi, Mandi jointly organised a free breast and cervix cancer screening camp near Seri Manch, Mandi. The special camp, held from 10 am to 5 pm, provided free cancer check-ups to 70 women.

A key highlight of the event was a state-of-the-art mobile medical laboratory equipped with advanced diagnostic machinery. Inside the mobile unit, women underwent confidential breast and cervix cancer screenings in a safe and private environment, supervised by female doctors and trained nurses. Each participant received her report immediately after the screening, indicating whether further medical consultation was required. The initiative aimed to promote early cancer detection and encourage women to recognise warning signs such as breast lumps, pain, discharge, redness, shape changes or abnormal bleeding.

The camp formed part of Rotary District 3070’s ongoing cancer awareness and screening campaign across five districts of Himachal Pradesh, running from November 6 to 18. A total of 11 Rotary Clubs are organising similar camps for mammography and cervical cancer screening. The campaign is being led by Rotary District 3070 Governor Rotarian Rohit Oberai, with Rotarian Kuldeep Singh playing an active role throughout the series.

Under this initiative, the mobile screening unit is travelling to several districts — Bilaspur (November 6), Sundernagar (November 7-9), Mandi (November 10), Nerchowk (November 11), Kullu (November 12-13), Manali (November 14-15), Hamirpur (November 16) and Una (November 17-18) — ensuring women across the region have access to early detection services.

The president of the Mandi unit of Rotary Club, Kaushalesh Kapoor, said, “Cancer is curable if detected early. Our goal is to remove hesitation among women regarding screening and to provide them with accurate information. Rotary is committed to bringing healthcare services to every section of society.”

The president of the Chhoti Kashi unit of Rotary Club, Dr Hemlata, said, “Due to ignorance and hesitation, many women avoid screening. This camp is meant to instil confidence and a sense of security so that women come forward for timely check-ups and stay healthy.”

The success of the camp was attributed to the active participation of club members including Renu Gulati, Suman Sharma, Akhilesh Bharti, Munish Sood, Dharmender Rana, Anil Gupta, Jyotsna Gupta, Aruna Kapoor, Nalin Kapoor, Khushal Thakur, Seema Sharma, Anuradha Sood, Indira Mohini, Yashpal Gulati, Lata Gupta, Nevidita Anand, Prakash Sharma, Dinesh Sharma and Surender Mohan. They managed registration, coordination and guidance for participants.

Medical professionals praised Rotary’s initiative, noting such camps play a vital role in combating cancer, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Both Rotary Club, Mandi, and Rotary Club, Chhoti Kashi, pledged to continue organising similar awareness and screening camps regularly.

Rotarian Kaushalesh Kapoor concluded, “A timely screening can save a life. Our mission is to spread this message to every household.” Dr Hemlata added, “The participation of 70 women today reflects growing awareness in society. We will continue strengthening this campaign to ensure every woman remains safe and informed.”

Mandi Deputy Commissioner Apoorv Devgan and Municipal Commissioner Rohit Rathour also visited the Rotary camp at Seri Manch and commended Rotary’s efforts for the welfare of society.