Likewise, mammography is recommended for women aged 50 and above, this is also not as widely available or affordable for the general population, particularly in lower-income groups and rural settings.
Unfortunately, the treatment, even after diagnosis, is mostly available in urban centers, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies. So treatment access remains a challenge for women in rural and economically disadvantaged areas, and adding the woes, the cost of treatment, particularly the most effective ones like targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
While the public health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat aim to provide coverage for cancer treatment, these benefits are still being rolled out and are often limited by infrastructure.
Both breast and cervical cancers suffer from poor awareness in rural and underserved areas, leading to late-stage diagnoses. Additionally, in many regions, social stigma and cultural factors discourage women from seeking preventive care, screening, or treatment, especially for cervical cancer.
While India has made strides in cancer care, significant challenges remain in terms of access to screening, early diagnosis. Though public health initiatives and government programs are playing a vital role in improving access to care, there is still a long way to go, particularly for women in rural areas and lower-income groups.