Delhi targets early cancer detection, trains over 150 ASHA workers

Over 150 Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) in the city were trained to detect and diagnose cervical and breast cancer at its earliest stages.

The training was held at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, during the 31st Annual Conference of the National Association for Reproductive and Child Health of India (NARCHI), organised in collaboration with the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from August 8 to 10.

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The training covered symptom recognition for cervical and breast cancer referral protocols to ensure patients are guided swiftly to diagnostic centers, and communication skills to break the stigma and fear associated with cancer. ASHAs were also introduced to simple tracking tools, both paper-based and mobile-friendly, to help log suspected cases and follow up effectively.

Experts stressed the importance of training grassroots workers to curb cancer at an early stage.

“Early detection can boost survival rates to over 90 per cent, compared to less than 40 per cent for late-stage diagnoses — especially for breast, cervical, and oral cancers. By empowering our ASHA heroes to recognise the earliest warning signs, we’re not waiting for disease — we’re stopping it before it gains ground,” said Dr. Mala Srivastava, president of the NARCHI Delhi chapter.

“With the training of over 150 ASHA workers, we are empowering women on the frontlines to become guardians of their community’s health and reduce cancer deaths in women,” Srivastava added.

Expanding on the importance of early cancer detection for providing more affordable and less invasive treatments, Dr. Chandra Mansukhani, vice president of NARCHI, said: “A single ASHA equipped with knowledge becomes a network of hope in her community. Detecting cancer at Stage 1 means treatment is more affordable, less invasive, and far more effective. This grassroots approach not only strengthens the public health system but also builds trust between communities and medical institutions.” With each ASHA typically serving around 1,000 individuals, the potential reach of this program is immense.

Cancer continues to be one of India’s most pressing health concerns, with nearly 1.3 million new cases and over 8,00,000 deaths recorded annually. Alarmingly, only one in five cases is detected at Stage 1, when treatment is far more effective and the chances of survival are significantly higher.

The initiative is expected to bring cancer awareness and screening opportunities to over one million people in Delhi. Over the next year, pilot areas across all districts of Delhi will be covered. ASHAs will also organise regular screening camps in neighbourhoods and schools, supported by hospital mentors to ensure accuracy and quality of detection.

Digital dashboards will be used to track the number of screenings, referrals, and confirmed early-stage diagnoses, ensuring transparency and measurable impact.