Partnership Driving Impact: An Integrated Women‐Centric Model to Improve Early Detection and Treatment of Cervical and Breast Cancer in Ghana and India

INTRODUCTION: Cervical and breast cancer are the leading causes of women's cancer mortality in Ghana and India. Using an integrated, scalable approach of screening, diagnosis, and treatment, 2 real-world programs were independently designed and conducted in Ghana and India. Each program was adapted to the local healthcare infrastructure to increase screening and management of breast and cervical cancers. METHODS: Government, healthcare, industry, non-governmental organization, and community leader partnerships in Ghana and India created a comprehensive patient engagement framework. Cascade training in cervical and breast cancer for healthcare workers, cancer awareness community outreach, screening, and follow-up for women were instituted. Patient navigators and accredited social health activists supported patients throughout the program. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing and HPV DNA self-sample collection were introduced. RESULTS: In the Bekwai municipality of Ghana, 20 facilities participated in the screening program. Sixteen trainers and 70 providers were trained. Of 5730 women screened for breast cancer; 100% of 113 with confirmed breast abnormalities had diagnostic services and treatment if necessary. For cervical cancer screening, 4997 women provided samples (80% self-collected); 811 were HPV-positive, 609 (75%) returned for further assessment, and of those, 100% were treated. In Amethi, India, 19 facilities participated. Forty trainers and providers were trained. Collectively, 4505 women were screened for breast cancer; 28/123 with abnormalities (23%) were referred for further management. Of 10,141 women who provided cervical samples (75% self-collected), 370 were HPV-positive, and 193/370 women (52%) returned for treatment or referral to tertiary centers. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing multiple-stakeholder partnerships resulted in cervical and breast cancer screening programs that were successfully implemented into routine clinical service in diverse environments and resulted in large numbers of women receiving cancer screening and treatment.