TMM Kathmandu organises free cervical screenings for hundreds of women across Nepal

KATHMANDU: Terapanth Mahila Mandal (TMM) Kathmandu organised a cervical cancer awareness programme on Wednesday, providing free cervical cancer screening to hundreds of women across Nepal.

In the capital, screening camps at Prasuti Griha, Thapathali, Frontline Hospital and Chunikhel screened 351 women. The initiative also reached other cities, with 100 women tested in Biratnagar, 70 in Nepalgunj, and 35 in Birgunj.

The Kathmandu event was attended by Dr Chang, a breast cancer specialist from China, who served as the guest of honour. Dr Chang stressed the role of early detection and regular screening in reducing cancer‑related deaths among women.

For many attendees, the programme offered an important opportunity for preventive care. Mamata Bhansali, 45, who took part in the Kathmandu screening, said, "I am glad such awareness campaigns are being run by the organisation. I last had this test seven years ago." Another participant, Sunita Mahato, said, "This is the first time I am going for such a test. I am very nervous."

According to Sangeeta Bothra, President of TMM Kathmandu, the cervical cancer drive is part of a larger campaign carried out in 239 locations across Nepal and India. Bothra said she was grateful the organisation had prioritised the issue and reached so many women.

Cervical cancer remains a major public‑health concern in Nepal. It is the second most common cancer among Nepali women and one of the leading causes of cancer‑related deaths. Each year, more than 2,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the country, and an estimated 1,300–1,500 die from the disease.

Most cases are linked to persistent infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), but the disease is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening. Health experts note that screening coverage in Nepal is low because of limited access, lack of awareness and social stigma, especially in rural and marginalised communities.

Community‑based initiatives such as TMM’s free screening programme are seen by health professionals as vital to improving early detection and reducing the national burden of cervical cancer.