Cancer can be considered as the most dangerous of all diseases, since it is generally detected and diagnosed in the late and advanced stage by which time the secondaries have set in and nodules formed. At this stage, cure is invariably very difficult. Cancer can affect any individual regardless of the age. In such an advanced stage, life span will be at stake due to the heavy damages already developed in any part of the body

           In India, the incidence of breast cancer is increasing, with an estimated 80,000 new cases diagnosed annually. Much of this increase may be associated with greater urbanization and improved life expectancy. Another area of concern is that breast cancer in females is also on the rise because of sedentary lifestyle brought in by urbanization. Late marriages, getting first child late leading to small lactation periods, lack of exercise and consumption of high fatty food have predisposed the females in urban areas to breast cancer.

           Taking these factors into consideration and with the generous support provided by the Susan G. Komen For The Cure, USA, Peace Trust implemented a pilot Comprehensive Community Based Breast Health, Education and Breast Cancer Eradication programme in the 4 blocks of Tirunelveli District viz Tirunelveli Corporation, Palayamkottai Block, Manur Block and Cheranmahadevi Block, the duration of the project being from 1st February 2007 to 31st January 2008.

           Apart from conducting Breast Health Education Awareness programmes, Sensitization programmes to the targeted women community in the operational area, the uniqueness of the programme was conducting Screening Camps for early detection and Training Programmes on Self Examination in the community.

The primary target group focused for the implementation of the programme are:

Adolescents
Girl School Students and Women college students
Women Self Help Group (SHG) members and Self Help Group Leaders (Animators)
School Teachers and College Lectures
Government Officials
Village Health Nurses
Anganwadi teachers