Ambuja Cements launches Cancer Awareness and Education Program

Ambuja Cements, Adani Cement’s cement and building material company and part of the Adani Group, launched a Cancer Awareness and Education program in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS), UK, its counterpart Association of Breast Surgeons in India (ABSI), and Tata Cancer Care Program.

The Company has made the strategic decision to include cancer interventions under the umbrella of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Cancer is a serious health problem that is underserved in rural areas, with breast cancer having the highest incidence worldwide, including in India. In Chandrapur, the company has developed a strong cadre of Sakhis who have helped to improve MCH and NCD health indicators.

“It is our privilege to be associated with the oncologists, doctors, and other health professionals of ABS, ABSI, and Tata Trusts,” said Mr. Ajay Kapur, CEO of Cement Business. This intervention will go a long way toward providing opportunities for learning for our regional healthcare workers and Sakhis. We anticipate an improvement in cancer indicators in the communities by training them on Cancer Interventions through health professionals and behavior change communication. We hope to expand this program across our locations in order to improve cancer awareness and thus create healthy communities.”

Ambuja Cements

Our team of health professionals established the International Forum to collaborate with women all over the world to improve breast cancer outcomes. I am delighted that ABS and ABSI have joined forces with Ambuja to provide our expertise and knowledge to the vital health workers of rural India. We will continue to collaborate with Ambuja to improve breast cancer health indicators in other parts of rural India,” said Dr. Leena Chagla, FRCS, Consultant Surgeon and President-Elect, ABS, UK.

“It is encouraging to see our organizations working together on a common cause, particularly for rural India.” We need such alliances in India, but ultimately we need Indian solutions to Indian problems, and we are delighted to be able to provide them.

This event included a special segment aimed at increasing the capacity of frontline health workers, ASHA, ANMs, and Sakhis in identifying high-risk signs and symptoms, self-breast examination techniques, including practical training on lump identification on breast prosthesis, and early detection and treatment of cancer cases.

Ambuja’s health interventions have been highly praised by district health and medical officials for their many years of work in bringing behavioral change to communities. To provide referrals and treatment, the company will continue to work with the medical community in Chandrapur and in close collaboration with the Tata Cancer Care Program.