RESUME: STUDENT INTERN with 4 months of clinical experience, has undertaken 2 reserach projects, each winning awards in National and International competitions. Passionate about research, volunteering and betterment of community.
TITLE: Serving with Purpose: A Volunteer-Led Model for Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Resource-Limited Settings

BACKGROUND
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide. Early detection can significantly reduce the mortality of this debilitating disease. This is hindered by limited access to screening methods such as Mammography, lack of organized screening programs or specialist care. Thus, there is a need to develop a feasible, sustainable, and acceptable model for early detection of breast cancers particularly in resource limited settings.
We explore one such organization, a volunteer led women’s health organization in South India, which has, over the past decade conducted more than 30000 Clinical Breast Examinations and identified over 75 cases of Breast cancer, through robust community participation and expertise of experienced clinicians. Understanding the volunteer experience and factors sustaining this model, is necessary for developing similar organizational frameworks in  resource limited settings.
 
OBJECTIVES
To explore the motivations and perceived benefits experienced by volunteers in a community based organization focussed on Early detection of Breast Cancer
To identify the contextual, emotional and operational factors affecting volunteer participation and program sustainability
To create a theory of change and logic based model explaining the mechanism and reproducibility of volunteer based organizationsMETHODS
A qualitative, descriptive study design was used. Data was gathered through a semi-structured questionnaire including open ended questions, examining motivations, perceived benefits, experiences and challenges faced by the volunteers in this organization. Observation of participants at camps and informal conversation deepened our understanding. Subsequently a theory of change framework and logic model was developed, outlining assumptions, mechanisms and expected results. Thematic analysis was done using inductive coding.
RESULTS
Volunteers shared a strong sense of empathy, altruism and a belief that ‘Time is the investment and happiness is the return’. Common motivations included personal or family experiences with breast cancer, an interest in women’s health and a desire to make meaningful contributions to society. Emotional benefits included increased self-worth, decreased loneliness and a strong sense of camaraderie. Participating in CBE camps and clinical interactions boosted volunteer knowledge, communication skills and confidence. This no cost model, fuelled by silent service was seen as a strength, symbolizing authenticity and intention.
Reported challenges were minimal, focussing on communication issues and structural clarity. Generally volunteers viewed the organization as familial unit of their community, offering personal fulfilment and societal impact
IMPLICATIONS
This study highlights the role of a volunteer-led, community-based model in early detection of breast cancer, especially in resource limited settings. The blend of community trust, psychosocially fulfilled volunteers and skilled clinicians creates a stable, sustainable environment. The program’s success in detecting early-stage cancers through high quality
 

RESUME