In a significant step towards strengthening women’s healthcare in rural India, a large-scale Cervical Cancer Screening Drive conducted by KOLGOTRG in collaboration with Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics has successfully reached nearly 1,100 women across tea garden workplaces in the Darjeeling district.
According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) data, one woman in India dies of cervical cancer every eight minutes, highlighting the urgent need for early detection and awareness. Nearly 2.5 million people are currently living with cancer in the country.
The initiative was organised as part of a Women’s Cancer Awareness Programme in the run-up to World Cancer Day (February 4, 2026) and featured leading medical experts, including:
Dr Gitasree Mukherjee, Gynaecologist, Bhagirathi Neotia Women & Child Care Centre
Dr Sandipan Chowdhuri, Gynaecological Oncologist, Manipal Hospitals, Kolkata
Dr Asima Mukhopadhyay, Gynaecological Oncologist and Director, KOLGOTRG
The experts highlighted the three most common cancers affecting women—breast, ovarian, and cervical cancer—and emphasised preventive strategies, early screening, and lifestyle interventions.
Screening Outcomes & Key Findings
During the session, experts launched the Cervical Cancer Screening Study under PRECERCA (Prevention of Cervical Cancer)—an internationally award-winning project by KOLGOTRG (Kolkata Gynaecological Oncology Trials & Translational Research Group).
Around 1,100 women were screened using GeneXpert technology
The study found 10% of screened women tested positive for high-risk HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
All HPV-positive women received free treatment at their workplaces
The initiative aims to provide free screening to nearly 1,00,000 women
The project is supported by Cepheid, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, KOLGOTRG, and logistical assistance from the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of West Bengal.
Expert Voices
Dr Gitasree Mukherjee stated,
“Most women in their reproductive years are at risk of developing women’s cancers. Regular screening is the most effective strategy for early cure. Lifestyle changes, exercise, and healthy diet can reduce the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, while cervical cancer is largely preventable through hygiene and awareness.”
Dr Asima Mukhopadhyay added,
“Vaccination of young girls and routine screening of women aged 30–60 years every 5–10 years are crucial steps in eliminating cervical cancer.”
Dr Sandipan Chowdhuri remarked,
“Awareness is the first step towards prevention, and early detection is the greatest gift one can give to their future self.”
Cancer Burden in India
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, claiming nearly 70,000 lives annually
It accounts for 22.86% of cancers in women and 12% of total cancer cases
Rural women face a higher risk due to lack of screening access
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women, accounting for nearly 27% of cases
Ovarian cancer, the third most common, sees around 50,000 new cases annually, with rising incidence among younger women
Organiser’s Perspective
Ms Ritu Mittal, Joint Managing Director & CEO, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, said,
“With this awareness session ahead of World Cancer Day, our goal is to educate and empower women to take proactive steps through regular screening. Awareness today can save lives tomorrow.”
