Cancer Patients Aid Association

In order to combat the lack of awareness and taboo surrounding cancer in India, CPAA takes proactive steps to educate and inform the public about the disease. Through awareness lectures, open forums, informative brochures, infomercials, short films, and tobacco cessation programmes, CPAA aims to spread knowledge about cancer symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, and the ill effects of tobacco. They also provide comprehensive awareness literature in multiple languages and engage in campaigns targeting specific groups such as students, women's groups, and blue-collar workers. CPAA's efforts extend to creating tobacco-free workplaces and offering tobacco cessation training to employees, emphasizing the benefits of quitting and providing support throughout the process.

To ensure early detection and increase the chances of successful treatment, CPAA conducts patient-friendly and non-invasive screening programmes. These programmes include on-site screening camps held across cities in India, providing free or subsidized services to those who lack access to medical facilities. A panel of doctors performs examinations and tests, including blood samples and Pap smear tests for women. CPAA also offers state-of-the-art testing for high-risk HPVs to identify the risk of cervical cancer in Indian women. Over the course of numerous camps and clinics, CPAA has screened a significant number of individuals from various community groups, underprivileged communities, corporates, educational institutions, and more. A considerable number of cancer cases have been detected through these screenings, ensuring that individuals receive further tests and treatment promptly.

In its commitment to patient care, CPAA provides comprehensive support on emotional, financial, and medical fronts to cancer patients and their families. With a dedicated team, volunteers, and social workers, CPAA caters to the needs of patients throughout their treatment and rehabilitation journey. From assisting with finding the right specialists, coordinating appointments, and providing financial aid, to offering guidance on hygiene, nutrition, and alternative therapies, CPAA ensures that every aspect of the patient's well-being is addressed. Through schemes like Adopt-a-Cancer-Patient and initiatives like Navya Care for second opinions, CPAA aims to provide steady assistance, personalized treatment plans, and access to affordable medications. Additionally, CPAA offers counselling services, support groups, specialized investigations, and entertainment programmes to enhance the overall care and support provided to patients and their families.

CPAA's Rehabilitation Centre empowers cancer patients and caregivers by providing employment opportunities, vocational training, and support. Through the centre, patients receive economic independence and social camaraderie while gaining new skills for sustainable income. CPAA manufactures and sells a diverse range of products, including hand-crafted Diyas, linen items for hotels, Diwali products, candles, personal and corporate gift items, and high-quality breast prostheses. The revenue generated supports medical treatment, worker expenses, facility expansion, and post-treatment initiatives. With a focus on patient care and financial viability, CPAA's Rehabilitation Centre enhances the lives of cancer patients and their families.

Advocating for the rights of cancer patients, CPAA actively campaigns for policy changes and effective implementation to improve patient outcomes. Recognized globally, CPAA's advocacy efforts focus on creating awareness about anti-tobacco legislation, supporting its enforcement, and ensuring affordable access to new-generation medicines. Through campaigns like Tobacco Free Workplace, Tobacco Free Bus Stations, and Tobacco Free Auto Rickshaw, CPAA has raised awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco and implemented policies to combat its use. CPAA also fights for affordable drugs, such as in the case of Remdesivir during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has won battles in the Supreme Court to make life-saving drugs accessible to underprivileged patients. With a commitment to patient's well-being, CPAA continues to advocate for policies that benefit cancer patients and promote affordable healthcare options.