Dedicated engineer-turned-social worker raises cervical cancer awareness in rural areas – Times of India

Raipur: In a remarkable display of dedication and compassion, Sudeshna Ruhaan, a young engineer turned social worker, has been tirelessly working on the ground to raise awareness about cervical cancer among girls and women in rural areas.
Sudeshna Ruhaan told TOI that once a week, a rural area within a block is selected, ensuring maximum participation of women. So far, they have covered more than 20 villages around Raipur. Some villages in Durg and Bhilai have also been included, and one village in Dantewada has been covered.
She has been collaborating with local organizations and utilizing innovative methods to ensure her message reaches even the farthest corners of the community.
After completing her thesis work on Breast carcinoma from NIT Raipur, Ruhaan decided in 2012 to counsel cancer patients and started visiting Regional Cancer Centres. After ten years of working as a counselor, an opportunity led her to the radiation room where she witnessed Intra Vaginal Radiation Therapy (IVRA) being performed on women suffering from cervical cancer. The screening and radiation therapy were very different from the general radiation, she said.
During the procedure, cervical cancer patients had to undergo an OT (Operation Theater) procedure, where an applicator is inserted inside the cervix area, following which medicines are applied to the infected areas, leading to excessive bleeding. Witnessing this, she decided to ensure women wouldn’t have to endure such pain.
In 2021, the engineer-turned-counselor decided to take charge and started helping these women. She made it a point to reach rural villages at least once a week, where women gather and disseminate information regarding cervical cancer.
In 2022, she registered an NGO named Niramayah Foundation to extend help to patients in a broader manner.
During the sessions, various women come forward with bizarre experiences and problems, which are further addressed and attempted to be solved. The sessions cover various stages of cancer spread, risk factors, treatment methods, and much more, she added.