SRIOR releases Interactive Flipbook to spread Breast Cancer Awareness; Announces free mammogram screening throughout October

Coimbatore: In October, efforts to educate those concerned about Breast Cancer will take place along with other awareness and health check-up activities across the globe. This is done because breast cancer risks are very high in the country. 

Studies show that in 2020, more than 2 lakh women in India were estimated to have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 76,000 deaths were reported as per the estimates. As per the 2020 National Cancer Registry Program Report, the number is expected to rise to more than 2.3 lakh cases in 2025.

Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology & Research (SRIOR) at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital (SRH) which has been waging a war against all forms of cancer has created tremendous awareness about 'Breast Cancer' among the public every year in a novel way. This year, SRIOR introduced an Interactive Flipbook with content on Breast Cancer as part of its World Breast Cancer Month's activities. This is the first time in India that a cancer research institute is releasing such an interactive flipbook. 

The flipbook was released by Swathy Rohit, Chief Operating Officer, SNR Sons Charitable Trust in the presence of Dr. Guhan, Director, Dr. Karthikesh, Senior Surgical Oncologist, SRIOR and members of Sri Ramakrishna Hospital.

This book is introduced in both Tamil and English and gives an overview of an introduction to Breast Cancer, its symptoms, risk factors, early detection/screening, diagnostic tests, treatment options, ways to prevent Breast Cancer which are all covered in an interactive format. The flipbook gives the impression of turning the pages of a book, even as a person swipes it from right to left. The flipbook also has the provisions to hear the book as an audio, and also see it as a video interaction. 

In three ways, the public can access the content on Breast Cancer Awareness and spread the message among their friends and family about the importance of early detection and diagnosis. This flipbook can be accessed online by visiting the link https://www.digione.in/srior/breastcancer/index.html.

Speaking at the launch of this event, Dr. P Guhan, Director, SRIOR said, "Today Breast Cancer is rising in the country, especially in the urban area. Through SRIOR/SRH's hospital-based cancer registry, it could be said that 20 out of 1 lakh women in Coimbatore develop breast cancer, but on the other hand, data from other regions and registries in major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Trivandrum and Pune state that 40-50 among 1 lakh women develop breast cancer. 

The number of young women developing breast cancer is also rising. 50 percent of women under 50 years of age develop this disease, and these 50 percent women come for treatment at stage 3 and stage 4 of breast cancer. Only when they come at the 1st and 2nd stage of breast cancer, the cure is possible. At the 3rd and 4th stage, one can only get treatment to reduce the pain and extend their life. This is why we say diagnosis of cancer at an early stage ensures cure which is our Mantra," rreiterated Dr. P Guhan.

"We have been raising awareness about breast cancer for 20 years but even today we can always see a well-educated woman getting treated here at Stage 3. This is why we continue to create awareness. Under Project DEEPAM, short for 'Detect Early and Ensure Prevention & Management of Breast Cancer, we have screened 3.2 lakh underprivileged women. We offer mammogram tests at a concessional price under this project. We stand first in the country for screening this many people for cancer, and we will continue on our journey," opined Dr. Guhan. 

Throughout the month of October, SRIOR has made Breast Cancer screening free for all women who approach the Institute. This service will be available between 10 am and 5 pm. Prior to coming to the institute, an appointment has to be made through 0422-4389797, for free Breast Cancer screening.