Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/cervical-cancer-28-correction-introduct...
Thanks, Neil, for all the appreciation and encouragement!
'Nevertheless you have been successful in encouraging many women to come forward for screening. On the other hand perhaps there are some women who are reluctant to come forward. Have you had conversations with them and what did you learn? Roughly what percentage of women are reluctant and how are you able to reassure them?'
What you stated above is a stark truth that we frequently encounter. The only counter that has made the program successful is having treated survivors talk to and motivate local village women to join this mission!
This is the only method which reassures the reluctant women to get checked and treated but it's true that I can't vouch for the whole population as much as I would like! I would say roughly 30% are reluctant (which is a huge success from 90% when we started). Their only excuse is, "We are fine and don't need any screening," or "Any screening intervention might lead to cancer," or similar statements. Additionally, the whole myth of CANCER being a deadly sentence, coupled with fear, largely controls their decisions in most cases.
Thanks and Regards!
Diya
India
HIFA profile: Diya Banerjee Sur is a Consultant, clinical trial head and patient advocate, at Kolkata Gynaecologial Oncology Trials and Research Group India. I am an Empathy Design Leader in Healthcare and health sciences with more than 25+ years of experience in global institutions like Oracle HSGBU, entrepreneur in Smartnirvana working with healthcare giants like Roche, GSK, AZ, Novartis and presently serving as a consultant in GCIG outfit for a clinical trial KOLGOTRG making lives of women better with a program called The Empathy Study. An advisor in Lancet Commission working on global health policies. Advisory in GCIG OCC, AIIMS Delhi on patient studies. IRB member in TATA MEDICAL CENTER, Kolkata Professional interestes: Mission to spread awareness and screen for HPV in remote villages of India. The mission started in 2023, has gained tremendous momentum, and has reached 1000+ women (https://youtu.be/szQ-q0khSkE?si=XfXcGVMvmiTtEL_e). Interested in policy making, advocacy, and empathy studies. Email address: banerjee.diya AT gmail.com