Open AccessRole of Technology (Breast Self Examination Animation Video) in Breast Cancer Screening in Indian Tribal Rural Women
Author(s) -
S. Mayilvaganan,
Gaurav Agarwal,
Amit Agarwal
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of global oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.002
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 2378-9506
DOI - 10.1200/jgo.18.41600
Subject(s) - medicine , breast cancer , breast self examination , referral , breast lumps , family medicine , presentation (obstetrics) , general surgery , gynecology , cancer , obstetrics
Background: The Lifeline Express or Jeevan Rekha Express is World´s first hospital train run by the Impact India Foundation. It was developed in collaboration with the Indian Railways and Health Ministry and has been funded by Impact UK, international charitable sources, Indian corporate houses and individuals. It started on July 16, 1991; as of 2016 the service had completed almost 200 projects, benefiting over 900,000 rural Indians. Aim: This study aimed to study the role of superspeciality doctor (endocrine and breast surgeon) in this setting. Methods: The specialist surgeon was assigned a task screen and teach the importance of breast self examination in the rural setting. The women were divided into batches of 50 and were shown a PowerPoint presentation with a video on breast self examination. The screening was done by 2 female general surgeons and any kind of abnormal finding was consulted to the endocrine and breast surgeon. At the end of 15 minutes lecture on screening and breast self examination, the ladies were provided a pamphlet on breast self examination in their native language and also advised and requested to teach another 5 women in the community. Results: 1000 ladies were screened and taught them the importance of breast self examination. Each lady was requested to teach another 5 women in the community. Patients with breast cancer (6 ladies) were appropriately referred and treated in a tertiary referral hospital. 120 patients had mastalgia, treated with dietary measures and first line drugs evening primrose oil and vitamin E. 1 month telephonic follow-up revealed 60% ladies taught on a average 4 other ladies and was compliant. 2 patients who had abscesses was aspirated. Out of 6 patients with breast cancer 5 were locally advanced breast cancer (1 fungating breast cancer). The average duration of tumor was 34 ± 12 weeks. Other cancers like thyroid cancer and oral cancer were detected and treated appropriately. Conclusion: Technology with the intent to serve the rural community should be the motto to provide improved health care to the neglected rural women.