How Blind Women Are Detecting Breast Cancer in India

You won't believe it, but there's a team of blind and partially-sighted women who are revolutionizing the way we screen for breast cancer, one sensitive examination at a time.

Breast cancer rates in India are alarmingly high, and sadly, many cases are diagnosed at later stages, reducing the chances of survival.

That's where these amazing medical tactile examiners (MTEs) come in. They're trained to conduct specialized tactile examinations that are affordable and don't require large equipment for mammograms, which can be expensive, time-consuming, and complex to use.

The impact of this approach is impressive. Not only can MTEs detect smaller lumps than some visually unimpaired physicians, but they also make breast examinations more comfortable for us ladies. Plus, they gather important information about patients' lifestyle habits and family history, which can help doctors assess their risk for the disease.

The training program for MTEs, initiated by a German organization called Discovering Hands, has expanded beyond Germany to countries like India.

In India alone, 18 MTEs have been trained so far and efforts are underway to increase awareness among the medical community to gain government support to scale up this groundbreaking model.

Imagine a future where more blind girls can find dignified jobs while helping us tackle breast cancer. It's a win-win situation. With their expertise and dedication, MTEs are not only improving breast cancer detection rates but also empowering us to take charge of our health.

Let's support these remarkable women making a positive impact.

Your health matters, and together we can continue to raise breast cancer awareness and increase our chances of early detection.