Ahmedabad 18 January 2025 – HCG Aastha Cancer Centre organised “Her Hope,” a community-driven initiative featuring a powerful physical theatre performance to raise awareness about cervical cancer, its prevention, and the importance of early detection. Centered on the empowering theme “Prevention is Power,” the event used expressive storytelling to convey vital information regarding cervical cancer. It brought together people from all walks of life, fostering understanding, encouraging open dialogue, breaking the stigma around cervical cancer, and celebrating the strength and essence of womanhood.
The event featured a thought-provoking skit, dance and music performances, which used expressive storytelling to communicate vital information about cervical cancer. This engaging approach made complex medical concepts both accessible to and impactful for the audience.
“Her Hope” was attended by patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and the general public, providing a space for education, open communication, and personal connections. Leading gynaecologic oncologists, including Dr. Kalpana Kothari, Dr. Viral Patel, and Dr. Nidhi Gupta, shared expert insights on prevention, treatment options, and advancements in cervical cancer care. A dynamic Q&A session allowed attendees to interact directly with the specialists and gain a deeper understanding of prevention methods, such as the importance of HPV vaccinations, regular Pap smears, and other screening tests for early detection of cancer.
Dr. Kalpana Kothari, Chief of the Gynaec Oncology Department at HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, stressed the importance of proactive health measures, saying, “Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a major health challenge. Through this initiative, we aim to educate and empower women by highlighting the life-saving importance of regular screenings and HPV vaccinations, which can significantly reduce the burden of cervical cancer and help save countless lives. ‘Her Hope’ is a true reflection of our commitment to community outreach, using creative and emotional approaches to ensure our message resonates on a deeper level. She also emphasized on the conservative treatment options offered in cases diagnosed with PAP test as pre-cancer (pre-invasive) disease where uterus preserving procedures are done in young females.”
Dr. Soma Bose, Chief of Medical Administration,HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, also commended the initiative, adding”Early detection is key to improving survival rates, and we cannot underestimate the critical role it plays in reducing the impact of this disease. At HCG Aastha Cancer Centre, we are deeply committed to making a difference in women’s health through education and proactive measures by providing a Health Check up screening package for females in view of importance of early detection of cancer. The urgency to combat cervical cancer globally is real, and initiatives like ‘Her Hope’ are essential in driving that change.”
A few key messages highlighted during the sessions included that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers through regular screenings and HPV vaccination. Early detection can increase survival rates to over 90%. However, nearly 90% of cervical cancer deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness campaigns like “Her Hope.” The event, which was free and open to the public, ensured that crucial health information and resources were accessible to those who needed them the most. “Her Hope” embodies HCG Aastha Cancer Centre’s commitment to women’s health by seamlessly blending creativity, education, and expert medical guidance.
