Guwahati: More than 77% of the 3,313 breast cancer patients treated at Assam Cancer Care Foundation (ACCF) hospitals in the last four years are aged between 40 and 70 years.With the data in focus, Assam on Tuesday launched a free mammography campaign for women aged 40 and above, targeting up to 4,000 screenings a month.Health minister Ashok Singhal announced the campaign under ACCF, which operates a wide network of cancer-care hospitals in the state. The initiative aims to promote early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer.According to data shared by Singhal, ACCF hospitals treated 3,313 breast cancer patients over the past four years, with 77% aged between 40 and 70.Under govt initiative, mammography screening will be conducted at 10 ACCF centres across the state.“The target is set to perform mammography for approximately 15 to 20 women daily at each centre. Accordingly, the plan is to complete approximately 360 mammographies per month at each centre, totalling 3,600 to 4,000 mammographies across all 10 centres monthly,” Singhal added.The campaign will be implemented in coordination with National Health Mission and the state health department. ACCF teams will work with ASHAs, auxiliary nurses, anganwadi workers, self-help groups and voluntary organisations to identify and mobilise eligible women.Singhal said early detection could improve treatment outcomes and reduce the financial burden on patients.“If breast cancer can be detected early, the chances of improving treatment outcomes increase. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can play an important role in saving the patient’s life, as well as reducing the financial burden associated with the treatment.”Officials said the initiative is aimed at strengthening Assam’s public health response to breast cancer by making screening more accessible and encouraging women in the high-risk age group to seek timely medical attention.Thirty designated ACCF screening teams are currently operating across Assam, screening about 500 women each month for breast and cervical cancers. Together, they conduct nearly 15,000 screenings monthly.Hospital patient assistants will support women during examinations, while hospital heads will oversee implementation in their districts.
