Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has signed an agreement with Bir Hospital to offer free breast and cervical cancer screenings, including initial treatment services.
The agreement was signed on Monday between Kathmandu Metropolitan City Health Department Chief Deepak Kumar KC and Hospital Director Prof Dr Dilip Sharma.
Acting Chief Sunita Dangol and Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain were also present on the occasion.
Acting Chief Dangol said that many women die prematurely from cancer and that regular screening is one of the ways to prevent cancer.
During this, she instructed working and housewives to create a screening schedule that would make it easier to manage their time.
According to her, during the screening, a clinical examination of the woman's breast is performed. If there is any doubt during the initial screening, an ultrasound is performed. After this, it is sent for mammography. HPV DNA PCR (Human Papilloma Virus) is tested for cervical cancer. If a positive report is received, colposcopy and biopsy are performed.
Hospital Director Prof Dr Sharma said that women should undergo timely screening to prevent breast cancer and cervical cancer.
“The mentality of ‘I don’t have any symptoms, why should I get tested?’ has worsened the situation. To improve this deteriorating situation, we should get tested even if we don’t have symptoms,” he said.
According to Health Department Chief KC, women in the age group of 30 to 60 years in the metropolis, women who were missed during the tests conducted last year, and women who tested positive last year will be tested and given initial treatment.
He said that the cancer tests will be conducted from March 30 and 100 to 120 people will be tested every day.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in Nepal.
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