Health facilities at Mahakumbh: Now one can avail cancer screening

The Mahakumbh mela, considered to be one of the largest human gathering in the world for a religious event, has been a platform for everything new and amazing.

Among the several incredible things happening at Mahakumbh, is a pink bus that is dedicated to breast cancer detection in women. The Math of Kerala is running the bus under the guidance of spiritual leader Maa Amritnanadamayi.

"The bus with the mammography facility has been prepared for Rs 4 crore. It has all the equipment required for breast cancer screening," Sant Brahmarishi Eknath, associated with Maa Amritanandamayi Math, told news agency PTI.

Eknath also said that a lot of women are hesitant to get breast cancer checked in time. Therefore, Amma has sent this bus for women for the first time in Maha Kumbh. It was inaugurated in Faridabad in 2022.

"Amma has also put a mobile mini hospital bus into service for this fair. This bus has an X-ray facility, pathology lab, minor operations and treatment facilities. This bus has been connected to the main hospital through satellite with the help of ISRO so that the specialised doctors of Faridabad can guide from there," he said.

Women are more likely to survive if breast cancer is identified and treated at the early stage

When breast cancer is diagnosed early, before it spreads to other parts of the body, the survival rates are remarkably high. Treatments such as surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy or hormonal therapy are much more effective when the cancer is localized.

Early detection of breast cancer often results from regular screenings, such as mammograms, or through self-exams where women notice changes in their breasts. Detecting breast cancer at an early stage means that the tumor is typically smaller and less aggressive, making it easier to remove or treat. Additionally, early detection often allows for less invasive treatments, such as breast-conserving surgery instead of a mastectomy, which can lead to better physical and emotional outcomes.

Many women do not come forward to test for breast cancer

Most taboo issues are found to be the physical stigma of breast cancer. The breast is an attribute of being a woman, associated with motherhood in many cultures, and hence, discussing the change, symptoms, or treatment with regard to breasts might be considered a stigma. The talk of breast reconstruction or mastectomy might be associated with being incomplete or not being a 'woman' in some women, thus adding more emotional weight to deter them from saving their lives by receiving treatments.

Another common taboo is the fear of the disease itself. Many women believe that a diagnosis of breast cancer is a death sentence or a reason for social ostracism. This fear may prevent them from discussing their concerns with family, friends, or doctors, resulting in late-stage diagnoses when treatment is less effective.

Moral judgments about breast cancer as a result of lifestyle or character flaws discourages people diagnosed with the disease, making it that much more challenging for them to seek emotional support or even direct help.