City-based KG Hospital would conduct a two-day free “breast cancer” detection camp on August 19 and 20.

Tests would be carried out by the digital thermogram,” the latest technology that would detect abnormal cellular activities in the breast – 5 to 10 years before lumps appear, the hospital Chairman, Dr. G. Bakthavathasalam, said here today.

“This is a non-invasive procedure and is 100 per cent safe. There is no radiation, no compression and no pain. Since, the digital thermogram technology will also help in the exact diagnosis of diabetic foot and varicose vein, the patients having such physical conditions can also register their names for the camp,” he said in a release.

As many as 100 patients would be screened during the camp to be held at the hospital on each of those days.

“The incidence of breast cancer is on the rise in the country and 50 per cent of such patients fall in the age group of 25-50 years,” he said.

Quoting Indian Council for Medical Research report, he said that the total number of new breast cancer cases in 2016 was about 14.5 lakhs in the country and the number was likely to increase to 17.3 lakhs in 2020.

About 70 per cent of the patients with advanced breast cancer have poor survival and high mortality rate, he said..

Bakthavathsalam cited the instance of the Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie who opted for “preventive double mastectomy” (removal of both the breasts) as she carried cancer causing gene and took such a measure “because she had lost her grandmother, mother and aunt to cancer”.

“Though the situation looks serious it is not scary, provided those women who are genetically inclined towards cancer or those having the family history of breast cancer, take preventive measures such as opting for an early diagnosis. The test will easily detect any abnormality in the breasts, well ahead of any lump formation, and enable the patient to take appropriate and timely preventive measures,” Dr. Bakthavathsalam added.