Sri Ramakrishna Hospital – Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology & Research (SRIOR) is observing World Breast Cancer Awareness Month from October 1, 2024 onwards.

As part of the observance, SRIOR launched a unique digital pledge campaign to promote breast cancer awareness on Tuesday through a dedicated website available in both English and Tamil.

Dr. P. Guhan, Director of SRIOR, welcomed the gathering and emphasized the importance of raising awareness about breast cancer in the current scenario.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in urban India, with 28.2 out of every 1 lakh women diagnosed with the disease. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Trivandrum, it is the leading type of cancer,” Dr. Guhan noted.

He expressed concern that even among educated populations in these cities, many cases are only detected at advanced stages (Stage 3 or 4), where treatment can only delay death rather than provide a cure.

Dr.Guhan reassured that a diagnosis of breast cancer does not necessarily mean the loss of life or a breast. “If detected early, treatment may only require surgery and medication, without removing the entire breast or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. This is why like the rest of the world, we observe World Breast Cancer Awareness Month at SRIOR—to emphasize early detection and preventive measures,” he added.

The digital campaign was officially launched in the presence of Mr. R. Sundar, Joint Managing Trustee of SNR Sons Charitable Trust, by The Chief Guest Ms. Swathy Rohit, Chief Operating Officer of SNR Sons Charitable Trust, along with Dr. P. Guhan, Dr. Rajagopal, Dean of Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Dr. K. Karthikesh, Surgical Oncologist at SRIOR, and C. V. Ramkumar, CEO of SNR Sons Charitable Trust, as well as several other dignitaries.

Aligned with the WHO’s theme for World Breast Cancer Awareness, “No one should face Breast Cancer alone,” SRIOR introduced the digital pledge campaign and also linked some of its well-received digital awareness initiatives to it.

First, to take the pledge, individuals can visit https://mhits.in/SRIOR/breast_cancer_2024/ or scan the dedicated QR code. Upon reaching the landing page, they should first choose their preferred language and then take the pledge. After that they can enter their name, and upload their photo. The pledge can then be downloaded as an image.

SRIOR encourages participants to set this image as their WhatsApp display picture for the entire month of October, aiming to reach as many people as possible and create ambassadors of breast cancer awareness. The goal is to spread awareness and show solidarity with those affected by cancer.

This year’s campaign also allows easy sharing of SRIOR’s digital breast cancer awareness contents directly from the campaign homepage. By clicking the ‘Know More’ section, users can access and share educational materials in text, audio, and video formats, available in both Tamil and English.

These materials, compiled by experts, cover all essential information on breast cancer, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options.

As part of the Pink October initiative, SRIOR is offering free breast cancer screenings and mammograms throughout October on all working days, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. K. Karthikesh.