New Delhi: Recognizing the critical need for awareness and early intervention, a team of oncologists under the Cancer Free India campaign has launched India’s first 24×7 free 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 get expert guidance via video consultation or phone call for early diagnostic testing and related preventive advice and support anytime through this helpline on 9599687085 and self-examination guidance by cancer experts free of charge.
The helpline also offers mammography, a vital test to detect breast cancer at a discounted rate of up to 50 per cent discount on mammography tests across India, said senior oncologist Dr. Ashish Gupta said.
“The initiative aims to spread awareness to take the first step, counseling patients and their families to catch breast cancer in stage 1 or 2 where the cure rate is very high,” said Dr Gupta.
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India, with thousands dying annually due to late-stage detection, he said.
Lack of awareness, stigma and limited access to healthcare contribute to delayed diagnosis, often when the disease is significantly advanced.
Breast cancer risk peaks between the ages of 50 and 64.
Dr. “However, alarming trends indicate an increase in cases among young women, with 25 percent of cases now occurring in women below the age of 40,” Gupta said.
More than 90 percent of breast cancer cases can be successfully treated if diagnosed at stage 1 or 2, he said.
This helpline strives to empower women by providing accurate information, expert assistance, knowledge about breast cancer symptoms and breast cancer screening tests at concessional rates.
“Early detection of breast cancer will help India increase cure rates 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, an estimated two lakh new cases were reported in India alone in 2023. The helpline is poised to play a key role in early detection and prevention, he said.
The research underscores the importance of timely intervention, as survival rates for breast cancer exceed 90 percent in early-diagnosed cases, compared to extremely low figures for late-stage detection.
Dr. Gupta added, “Early detection through regular self-examinations, clinical screening, preventive guidance and mammograms can dramatically improve survival rates, as early stage treatment is most effective.”
