Ambuja Cements, a leading Indian cement and building materials company under Adani Cement and part of the Adani Group, has launched a cancer awareness program in collaboration with the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) in the United Kingdom.
The program aims to educate rural communities on non-communicable diseases, with a particular focus on breast cancer, the highest incidence of cancer in India. Health experts from India and the UK provided education and training to regional level oncology doctors, newly appointed community health officers, and government health officials in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, during a three-day event. The program has developed a strong cadre of Sakhis, who have assisted in improving health indicators in maternal and child health (MCH) and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The intervention is expected to improve cancer indicators in the communities and will expand to other locations to create healthier communities. The program also focused on increasing the capacity of frontline health workers to identify high-risk signs and symptoms, self-breast examination techniques, and early detection of cancer cases.
Ajay Kapur, CEO, Cement Business, Ambuja Cements: “We’re honored to work with ABS, ABSI, and Tata Trusts, providing learning opportunities for healthcare workers and Sakhis. By training them on cancer interventions, we aim to improve cancer indicators and create healthy communities. We plan to expand this program to our other locations.“
Dr Leena Chagla, FRCS, Consultant surgeon and President – Elect, ABS, UK, said, “Our health professionals formed the International Forum to work with women worldwide and improve breast cancer outcomes. We’re thrilled to partner with Ambuja and offer our expertise to rural India’s crucial health workers. Together, we’ll improve breast cancer indicators in other rural parts of India.“
Dr SVS Deo, President, ABSI and Head Department of Surgical Oncology, AIIMS, New Delhi, said, “We’re glad to collaborate with Ambuja to address common causes in rural India. While we need alliances in India, we also need Indian solutions for Indian problems. We’re excited to find these solutions together.“
