Dear Balkrishna,
Thank you for your message.
"It has come to our notice that women from Low Middle Income group women visit doctors in the 2nd or 3rd state of Cancer and it is difficult to save the patients."
This is a hugely important issue and it is highly relevant to the HIFA remit. Are you referring particularly to cervical cancer? My comments relate to cervical cancer, which (alongside breast cancer) is the leading cause of cancer in women in India. However, the availability of reliable, relevant healthcare information - whether for women or for those who provide health care, is important with all cancers.
It is important for primary prevention, secondary prevention, early diagnosis and subsequent management.
For example, a recent study notes 'there is a lack of awareness [among health professionals in India] about HPV vaccination and its importance in preventing cervical cancer'.
https://bmcwomenshealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12905-021-01...
Several studies have shown that many women in India are unaware of cervical cancer. They are likely unaware of the risk factors for cervical cancer and how to prevent it. If they develop cancer and have unusual vaginal bleeding they may have no idea that it could be serious and delay seeking a health worker. Many women in India also face barriers in accessing healthcare services, which in turn is linked to a lack of understanding on the part of relatives or primary health workers.
"If HIFA can guide us we will join the HIFA project."
On the basis of your message, Balkrishna, I would propose that we all consider a HIFA Project on Cancer. This would require interest from other HIFA supporting organisations and members, which could then be developed into a proposal for low-level funding and subsequent implementation. www.hifa.org/projects
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org