October 27, 2025
News
Nine years ago, Nino Maghradze-Zaridze received a diagnosis that changed her life — breast cancer. Thanks to Georgia’s national screening program, the disease was detected early, and timely treatment saved her life.
When early detection means a second chance
Nino, a 68-year-old teacher from Tbilisi, Georgia, had felt an unusual discomfort in her shoulder area. “At first, I thought it was a heart problem,” she recalls. “When that was ruled out, I decided to go for my annual screening. During the ultrasound, the doctor immediately involved a mammologist, and I had a biopsy on the same day. Within a month, I underwent surgery. I wanted to act quickly and breathe freely again.”
The cancer diagnosis was not easy to face, but Nino decided to confront it with determination. The experience changed her outlook on life. After recovery, she began painting and writing poetry — passions she had postponed for years. Her works have since been exhibited both in Georgia and abroad, including an exhibition in Austria.
Empowerment through prevention
Nino believes that the national screening program is one of the most important achievements in Georgia’s healthcare system. “Screening is a gift for every woman,” she says. “It’s vital to get checked once a year. For women aged 40 to 70, the screening is free — and that one step can save a life.”
Encouraged by her experience, Nino joined the “Club of Victorious Women”, a group that brings together women who have overcome cancer. They meet psychologists, attend cultural events, and support each other’s personal growth. The club also works to raise awareness about screening in several Georgian regions — Chokhatauri, Lanchkhuti, Zugdidi, Kazbegi, Gurjaani, and Telavi.
For the past two years, Nino has also been an “Ambassador for a Healthy Future” with the Georgian Health Federation. In cooperation with the National Center for Disease Control and Public Health (NCDC), she participates in informational meetings and national campaigns to promote cancer screening.
“I’ve learned to value life differently,” Nino says. “I paint, write, travel, and live fully. Cancer changed me — it made me stronger and helped me fulfill dreams I had forgotten. Every woman should believe in herself and live an active life.”
Among her paintings is “Pink October” — a piece she created for the “Club of Victorious Women.” It symbolizes unity and hope and accompanies the group at every event.
Screening saves lives
Georgia’s national screening program has been operating since 2008, first in Tbilisi and since 2011 across the country. In 2019, Caritas Czech Republic established and equipped the Zugdidi Screening Center, improving access to early cancer detection services for the population of Western Georgia and the occupied Abkhazia region. This important step has brought high-quality screening closer to people’s homes, reducing the need to travel long distances for essential examinations. Yet, participation remains low. Increasing awareness and education are key to improving women’s health and reducing cancer-related deaths.
Every October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Caritas Czech Republic joins global efforts to promote early diagnosis and support women fighting cancer. Nino’s story is a reminder that the path to recovery often begins with a simple but powerful act — timely screening.
Don’t wait for symptoms — visit a screening center and take care of your health today.
