Promoting Preventive Health Awareness Among Women Artisans

Breast Cancer Awareness & Breast Self-Examination

: Health Initiatives
Organization: Ushagram Lokoshikshaniketan
Map of West Bengal, India
Location: Nadia, West Bengal

Key Outcomes

Strengthened preventive health awareness among women artisans and equipped them with skills essential for early detection of breast cancer.

Improved Breast Cancer Risk Awareness

Participants learned about signs, symptoms, and preventive practices.

Practical Self-Examination Skill Acquisition

Women gained practical skills to conduct Breast Self-Examinations (BSE) regularly at home.

Strengthened Health-Seeking Behavior

Participants expressed readiness to seek professional advice for abnormalities.

Life changing discovery

This was the first time I learned how to check myself. During the demonstration, I felt something unusual. Because of the awareness programme, I got immediate medical help. This knowledge has truly changed my life.
Ushagram Lokoshikshaniketan
Anonymous

Breast Cancer Awareness Initiative Overview

Sarba Shanti Ayog (SSA) recognises that women artisans often prioritise work and family responsibilities over their own health. Limited access to health information and preventive care increases their vulnerability to serious health conditions such as breast cancer. To address this need, SSA organised an awareness programme focused on Breast Cancer Education and Breast Self-Examination (BSE) for women artisans.

A total of 45 women artisans participated in the session.

Programme Overview

The session was conducted by trained health professionals who used simple demonstrations, visual aids, and interactive communication to help artisans understand the importance of early detection. Women were guided on how to perform self-examination, recognise warning signs, and seek timely medical advice.

Key Components

  1. Understanding Breast Cancer
    • Introduction to common symptoms
    • Importance of early detection
  2. Breast Self-Examination (BSE) Techniques
    • Step-by-step demonstration
    • Identifying abnormal changes
  3. When and How to Seek Medical Support
    • Accessing screening services
    • Importance of follow-up tests and regular check-ups

Specific Impact Highlight

During the session, one artisan from Ushagram Lokoshikshaniketan  identified an unusual lump during the live demonstration. SSA immediately linked her to a local medical facility for diagnostic evaluation and treatment support.

This health initiative strengthened preventive health awareness among women artisans and equipped them with skills essential for early detection of breast cancer. By prioritising women’s well-being, SSA continues to reinforce its commitment to empowering artisan communities through timely, meaningful, and life-enhancing health interventions.