Lohana Health Camp on March 23, 2025
Breaking Barriers: A Cancer Screening Initiative in Janakpurdham
Cancer continues to be a pressing global health challenge, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries. In Nepal, the incidence of breast, cervical, and oral cancers is rising, yet access to preventive care remains limited—especially in rural communities. To bridge this gap, Binaytara, in collaboration with Binaytara Cancer Trust and Engage Nepal, launched a cancer screening and early detection health camp on March 23, 2025, at Lohana Health Post in Janakpurdham Ward No. 25.
This initiative aimed to provide free cancer screenings for breast, cervical, and oral cancers while offering general health consultations and health education sessions for Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs). The camp sought to empower individuals with knowledge about early detection and promote access to essential healthcare services.
Despite logistical challenges and cultural barriers—such as hesitancy among women to undergo screenings—the camp successfully reached 244 participants, with 69% being women between 30-60 years, the primary demographic at risk for breast and cervical cancers. A critical outcome was the identification of 12 individuals with potential early signs of cancer, highlighting the need for timely intervention.
The program also conducted oral cancer surveys, revealing concerning risk factors such as high tobacco use (36%) and malnutrition (47%) among participants. Moreover, clinical screenings flagged several individuals with persistent oral lesions and non-healing ulcers, necessitating urgent medical follow-ups.
Looking ahead, the initiative underscores the importance of scaling up similar health camps, enhancing community education, and strengthening referral networks to ensure continued cancer prevention and treatment efforts in Nepal’s underserved regions. By fostering healthcare partnerships and empowering local volunteers, such interventions can significantly improve early detection rates and contribute to long-term public health improvements.