A major health outreach initiative took place in Margherita on November 19 as the Indian Red Cross Society, Margherita Sub-District Branch. Organised a comprehensive cancer awareness and screening programme at the Agbandha Primary School auditorium. The event drew significant public participation and marked another step forward in promoting early cancer detection across Assam’s rural areas.
The programme was held in collaboration with the Assam Cancer Care Foundation and The Hans Foundation, both of which have been playing a crucial role in strengthening community-level healthcare. Medical experts, trained volunteers, and local community leaders joined hands to encourage residents to prioritise preventive health practices.
Community Engagement at the Core
The event recorded strong turnout from nearby villages, tea garden areas, and low-income localities. Men, women, elderly residents, and students attended the awareness sessions. Reflecting rising concern about cancer cases in the region. Health officials noted that communities in upper Assam have witnessed a steady rise in oral, breast, and cervical cancer, making awareness drives increasingly necessary.
During the session, experts explained the importance of recognising early warning signs and adopting healthier habits. The Indian Red Cross Society volunteers urged participants to undergo regular health check-ups and seek timely medical consultation, especially in rural pockets where access to healthcare facilities remains limited.
Readers interested in broader health developments in the state can explore recent reports on Assam’s cancer care expansion efforts. While public health updates at the national level are available through official health resources.
Awareness Sessions Highlight Rising Risks
The awareness meeting opened with detailed presentations on cancer risk factors, particularly those linked to lifestyle. Doctors highlighted the dangers of tobacco use, which remains widespread in many parts of the Northeast. They also stressed the growing impact of alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and chronic delays in seeking medical care.
Women participants showed special interest in the sessions on breast and cervical cancer. Health workers demonstrated basic self-examination techniques and explained the importance of routine screenings. The discussions also emphasised the role of nutrition, exercise, and reduced exposure to harmful substances.
Screening Camp Offers Essential Health Support
A major highlight of the event was the free cancer screening camp conducted by medical teams from the Assam Cancer Care Foundation. The camp offered oral, breast, and cervical cancer tests using portable diagnostic equipment. Many women from self-help groups and tea garden communities voluntarily stepped forward for screening.
Doctors noted that such camps often detect early-stage cases that would otherwise remain unnoticed due to lack of access to specialised medical services. Volunteers from The Hans Foundation assisted participants with registration, counselling, and post-screening guidance. Attendees received health cards to help track future appointments, ensuring continuity of care.
Local Leaders Appreciate the Health Initiative
Local leaders, school authorities, and community representatives praised the Red Cross Society for organising the programme in a region that often struggles with healthcare access. They highlighted that awareness drives like this empower communities with life-saving knowledge and encourage proactive health behaviour.
Speakers stressed the importance of sustained health outreach, noting that cancer awareness should not be limited to one-day events. They urged participants to share the information within their families and neighbourhoods to create a ripple effect of awareness across the community.
Moving Forward with a Strong Health Message
The event concluded with a powerful call for continued vigilance and community involvement. Organisers emphasised that early detection can significantly reduce cancer-related deaths and called on residents to make regular screenings a habit.
The Indian Red Cross Society announced plans to organise more such programmes across Margherita and adjoining areas. With support from the Assam Cancer Care Foundation and The Hans Foundation, similar awareness and screening camps will be scheduled in the coming months to strengthen preventive healthcare at the grassroots.
As Assam continues to face rising cancer challenges, initiatives like this are essential in building awareness, supporting vulnerable communities, and promoting early diagnosis. Residents were encouraged to stay informed, participate in upcoming camps, and prioritise their health and well-being.