P. D. Hinduja Hospital launches breast cancer screening camp for Mumbai policewomen

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre has launched a six-day breast cancer screening camp for women officers of the Mumbai Police. The camp, located at the Additional Commissioners Office in Byculla, runs from 24th to 30th October 2024. Using the iBreastExam technology, the hospital offers a quick and non-invasive screening method to detect potential abnormalities, aiming to improve awareness and encourage early detection among Mumbai’s policewomen.

Breast cancer ranks as the most common cancer among Indian women, comprising 25 per cent of all female cancers. The age-adjusted incidence rate is 25.8 per 100,000 women, with a mortality rate of 12.7 per 100,000 women. Concerningly, breast cancer is on the rise among younger women in India, with nearly 36 per cent of cases diagnosed in women under 50. Approximately 60 per cent of cases are detected at advanced stages, underscoring the need for increased awareness and early detection efforts to improve treatment outcomes.

Gautam Khanna, CEO of P. D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “At P. D. Hinduja Hospital, we are constantly striving to integrate the most advanced healthcare technologies to benefit our community. We always lay emphasis on prevention and early detection of diseases. This special camp organized for the women officers of Mumbai Police reflects our commitment to ensuring that those who tirelessly protect Mumbaikars have access to early examination methods for breast cancer.”

Dr Vinay Deshmane, Consultant in Surgical Oncology at P. D. Hinduja Hospital, commented on the need for early detection, explaining, “Early detection of breast cancer dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment. While we recommend every woman above forty years to undergo a mammogram at regular intervals based on their personal risk, this is often not possible due to limited access, lifestyle, and awareness issues. Hence, we are offering this clinical breast examination and scanning which will help increase awareness and may identify small lumps that might otherwise go unnoticed. By offering this examination and scan directly to Mumbai’s policewomen, we hope to raise awareness amongst this special group of women, so that those with abnormalities may seek medical evaluation and subsequent mammography / investigation at an early stage. This could potentially save lives of these extraordinary women who define the spirit of our beloved city.”

This screening initiative is part of P. D. Hinduja Hospital’s broader mission to advance health equity by providing preventive healthcare to all. The hospital encourages women to utilise this opportunity for early detection.