New Delhi: Recognizing the critical need for awareness and early intervention, a team of oncologists under the leadership Cancer free India The campaign has launched India’s first free 24×7 Pink. Breast Cancer Helpline number to encourage women to take the first step towards early detection and treatment of breast cancer.
Women across the country can now access expert guidance for early detection testing and related preventive counseling and support at any time through this helpline at 9599687085, through video consultation or phone calls and get self-examination guide through cancer experts without paying any fee.
This helpline also offers mammography, an important breast cancer screening test at discounted prices offering up to 50 per cent discount on mammography test across India, said senior oncologist Dr Ashish Gupta, who runs the Mukt Bharat cancer campaign in India.
“The aim of the initiative is to create awareness to take the first step and advise patients and their families to detect breast cancer at stage 1 or 2, where the cure rate is very high,” said Dr. Gupta. .
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in India, and thousands of lives are lost every year due to late-stage detection, it said.
Lack of awareness, stigma and limited access to healthcare contribute to delayed diagnosis, often when the disease has progressed significantly.
Breast cancer risk peaks between ages 50 and 64.
“However, there are alarming trends that indicate an increase in cases among younger women: 25 percent of cases now occur in women under 40 years of age,” Dr. Gupta said.
More than 90 percent of breast cancer cases can be successfully treated if diagnosed at stages 1 or 2, he said.
This helpline seeks to empower women by providing accurate information, expert support and knowledge about breast cancer symptoms, as well as offering breast cancer screening at reduced prices.
“Early detection of breast cancer will help India increase the cure rate and reduce breast cancer-related deaths in the country.” “This initiative is a step forward in reducing stigma, misinformation and delays in seeking medical help,” said Dr. Gupta.
With breast cancer cases increasing annually, it is estimated that two lakh new cases were reported in India in 2023 alone. This helpline is set to play a vital role in early detection and prevention, he said.
Research underscores the importance of timely intervention, as breast cancer survival rates exceed 90 percent for early-diagnosed cases, compared to drastically lower numbers for late-stage detection.
Dr. Gupta added, “Early detection through regular self-examinations, clinical examinations, preventive counseling and mammograms can dramatically improve survival rates as treatment is most effective in the early stages.”
