Dehradun: A breast cancer awareness programme was organised at Government Inter College (GIC), Kishanpur, Dehradun, to educate adolescent girls about breast cancer, women’s health and menstrual hygiene. Dr. Sujata Sanjay, Senior Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Sanjay Orthopaedic Spine and Maternity Centre, Dehradun, interacted with the students and highlighted the importance of health awareness, early detection of diseases and menstrual hygiene. Sanitary napkins were also distributed to the students as part of the initiative.
Dr. Sujata Sanjay, who also serves as the Treasurer of the Dehradun Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society, has been actively involved in promoting women’s health, maternal and child welfare, and community health awareness. Addressing the students, she emphasised that adolescence is a crucial stage of life, marked by significant physical and hormonal changes, making access to accurate health information essential.
Emphasising Early Detection of Breast Cancer
Speaking about breast cancer, Dr. Sujata Sanjay highlighted the importance of recognising its early warning signs and seeking timely medical attention. She explained that symptoms such as a lump in the breast, changes in breast size or shape, skin abnormalities, nipple changes or unusual discharge should not be ignored. While not every breast lump indicates cancer, any unusual change should be evaluated by a qualified medical professional. She emphasised that early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and stressed that awareness of breast cancer is important for women across different age groups.
She also encouraged students to overcome the hesitation and social stigma often associated with discussing health-related concerns. A lack of awareness and reluctance to seek help can delay diagnosis and treatment. She urged families, educational institutions and society to create a supportive environment where girls can openly discuss their health concerns and access reliable medical guidance without fear or embarrassment.
Menstrual Hygiene and Adolescent Health
The programme also focused on menstrual hygiene and the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene during menstruation. Dr. Sujata Sanjay explained that menstruation is a normal physiological process and should not be surrounded by myths, misconceptions or unnecessary stigma.
She advised the students to change sanitary napkins at regular intervals, dispose of used napkins safely and maintain proper hand hygiene. She also encouraged them to seek medical advice in cases of excessive menstrual pain or other unusual symptoms rather than ignoring their discomfort.
As part of the awareness initiative, sanitary napkins were distributed to the students to encourage hygienic menstrual practices and highlight the importance of access to essential menstrual health products. Such school-based initiatives play a valuable role in equipping adolescent girls with accurate information, building their confidence and encouraging informed decisions about their health.
Promoting Health Education in Schools
Dr. Sujata Sanjay emphasised that girls’ health deserves the same attention as their education. She noted that healthy and well-informed adolescent girls are better equipped to contribute to healthier families and a more aware society. She stressed the need to integrate health education into school-level awareness initiatives, enabling students to understand personal hygiene, nutrition, physical changes during adolescence and the early warning signs of diseases.
She further highlighted that women’s health must be recognised as a social priority rather than merely an individual concern. Sustained collaboration among families, schools, healthcare professionals and social organisations is essential to strengthen awareness about breast cancer and other health issues affecting women. Timely medical consultation, access to reliable information and a proactive approach to health can make a meaningful difference in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment.
The programme at GIC Kishanpur was a significant step towards promoting health awareness among adolescent girls, addressing misconceptions surrounding women’s health and encouraging good menstrual hygiene practices.
Through such community outreach initiatives, Sanjay Orthopaedic Spine and Maternity Centre, Dehradun, continues to support efforts to strengthen health education and promote greater awareness of women’s and adolescent health.