Woodland Hospital here held a free screening camp for cervical and breast cancer on the occasion of International Women’s Day today but not more than 30 women came forward.
The hospital’s Dr Peter Daniels said that the camp was a necessity as women in general do not take care of their health in respect to early detection of breast and cervical cancers, as evidenced by the poor turnout.
He also said that one of the reasons for the low number of women who came forward was the fear of being stigmatized.
Meanwhile, Dr Teikupar Kharshiing, consultant gynaecologist, said that to detect cervical cancer a pap smear is required and for breast cancer a mammography needs to be carried out.
“Fortunately Woodland Hospital has these tests,” Dr Kharshiing said, precluding the need to travel to Guwahati or other cities to be screened.
