Ambuja Foundation Reaches 13,000 Women Through Cancer Awareness Programme

Maharashtra, November 12, 2026: Ambuja Cements, through its CSR arm Ambuja Foundation, has reached more than 13,000 rural women across Maharashtra, Punjab and Gujarat through its Cancer Awareness and Screening Programme over the last three years. Implemented under the Foundation’s Non-Communicable Disease Programme, the initiative has identified 12 cases of breast cancer and conducted 132 interactive awareness sessions.

The programme began in 2023-24 in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, in association with ABS UK and ABSI. Following its implementation in the district, the initiative was expanded to Bathinda in Punjab and Ambujanagar in Gujarat. It aims to improve awareness of breast cancer, encourage early detection and strengthen access to diagnostic and treatment services in rural communities.

The programme is being implemented in collaboration with local healthcare institutions, including Tata Cancer Care Foundation, AIIMS Bathinda and Gujarat Cancer Care, to establish referral pathways for women requiring further diagnosis and treatment.

As part of the initiative, practical training sessions were organised for frontline healthcare workers, including Community Health Officers, ASHAs, ANMs and doctors. Participants received training in breast examination techniques, lump identification and the use of silicone breast prosthetics and the dough-making technique.

Community outreach activities included 132 interactive sessions with women's groups and Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials, such as posters, pamphlets and audio-visual content in local languages, were distributed to improve awareness. Community dialogues were also conducted to address misconceptions about breast cancer, while women were encouraged to undertake monthly self-examinations.

ASHA and Anganwadi workers supported the programme by reinforcing awareness messages through breast prosthetics. Door-to-door campaigns led by Sakhi and frontline health workers also helped communicate information and identify potential risks at the household level.

Building on the breast cancer programme, Ambuja Foundation has introduced cervical cancer awareness, screening and vaccination interventions. In Chandrapur, an AI-enabled SMART Scope cervical cancer screening instrument was made available through ACT Grants. The initiative is being implemented in association with the health department, using AI technology and training to help identify high-risk cases.

The Foundation has also organised mega health camps, including mammography camps, to facilitate check-ups and consultations. These activities have been supported by technical partners such as ACT Grants, Periwinkle Technologies, Homi Bhabha Cancer Care Hospital and Research, AIIMS Rishikesh and Narayan Cancer Hospital.

Ambuja Foundation plans to expand its cancer awareness initiatives to additional locations, with a focus on improving access to information, screening and healthcare services in rural communities.