Apollomedics Hospital launches Mission Sankalp, an initiative for early detection & prevention of Cancer in females.
Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospitals, Lucknow, a leading healthcare institution of the city, organized a special event to celebrate International Women's Day, emphasizing women's health, particularly importance of early screenings in Breast & Cervical Cancers. The event was graced by Smt. Baby Rani Maurya, Minister of Women's Welfare, Child Development and Nutrition of Uttar Pradesh as chief guest.
During the program, a recently published report on rapid rise in cancer cases in India was discussed, with breast and cervical cancer being the most prevalent among women. According to a report by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 3 out of 5 cancer patients in India succumb to the disease, reflecting a mortality rate of approximately 60%. By 2050, the cancer-related mortality rate in India is projected to rise to 109.6 per 100,000 population from the current 64.9 per 100,000.
Addressing the media on this occasion, Smt Baby Rani Maurya commended this initiative and said, "This is a commendable step towards fighting cancers prevalent in women. According to available data, Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of Breast and Cervical Cancer cases with a particularly low uptake of screening for both cancers. Govt is tirelessly working in this direction and taking steps to create awareness about importance of early detection of cancers. But this step by Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, offering these tests absolutely free of cost to all females above 40 years is a crucial step which will surely support our efforts and will help in reducing the burden of this disease. Apollo Hospital’s effort will undoubtedly contribute to increasing awareness in society."
Dr Mayank Somani, MD & CEO, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow said, *"In Uttar Pradesh, Merely Less than 1.5% of women undergo screening for cervical cancer and only 1% of women undergo screening for Breast Cancer which raises alarm for importance of early screening in cancers. Most of these cases are detected at advanced stages, making treatment challenging. As per the report of ICMR, current cancer mortality rate in India is alarming. Statistics show a rapid increase in cancer risk among women aged 15-49, while the mortality rate in the 50-69 age group has risen from 8.3% to 10.3%. Among elderly women (70+ years), the mortality rate ranges between 5.5% and 7.6%. Early detection of cancer is critical to improving outcomes for patients. The ICMR report also indicates a "disproportionate burden" of cancer among women, where mortality rates are higher compared to men. Given the rising incidence of new cancer cases in India, regular screenings and awareness among women have become even more crucial.
Mammography and PAP smear tests are essential tools for the early detection of breast and cervical cancer, respectively. Considering this alarming scenario, Apollo Hospital Lucknow has decided to conduct free mammography and PAP smear tests for all women above 40 years, starting from March 8, 2025, for one year. The initiative aims to encourage women to undergo health screenings and take necessary preventive measures against severe diseases.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of all esteemed guests and experts. This initiative not only served as a successful awareness campaign but also marked a significant step toward improving women's health.
