Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: In a significant step towards promoting breast cancer awareness, encouraging early detection and empowering women to take charge of their breast health, the Department of Medical Oncology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar inaugurated a Breast Self-Examination (BSE) booth. It’s the first portable booth of its kind for breast self-examination in India.

Inaugurating the initiative as part of the observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Executive Director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, Dr. Ashutosh Biswas emphasised that early detection plays a crucial role in improving breast cancer outcomes.

He highlighted the importance of awareness, timely medical consultation and breast self-examination in helping women recognise unusual changes and seek medical advice without delay.

The newly inaugurated portable BSE booth provides a private space for women to learn the steps involved in breast self-examination through easy-to-follow instructions displayed on its walls. The initiative aims to overcome hesitation, improve awareness of breast health and encourage women to consult healthcare professionals promptly if they notice any unusual changes. The department also plans to establish a permanent booth in the near future.

Highlighting the growing burden of breast cancer, Dr. Sourav Kumar Mishra, Associate Professor, Department of Medical Oncology, said that the department has treated approximately 1,000 breast cancer patients since its establishment four years ago, with around 100 patients visiting the department every month.

He expressed concern over the considerable number of patients presenting with advanced-stage disease and the increasing incidence of breast cancer among younger women. These trends, he noted, underscore the need for sustained awareness campaigns, early diagnosis and timely access to appropriate treatment.

Emphasising the importance of holistic cancer care, the department also highlighted the role of yoga, meditation, structured exercise, music and relaxation techniques in helping patients manage stress, improve emotional well-being and cope better with treatment. The department has been organising sessions involving yoga, meditation, music and singing to provide patients with opportunities for relaxation, emotional expression and peer support.

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The Breast Cancer Awareness Month observance was also marked by an inspiring musical gathering, during which faculty members, staff and cancer fighters came together to sing “Hum Honge Kamyaab Ek Din.” Cancer fighters shared their personal journeys, offering moving accounts of resilience, determination and the challenges of living with and overcoming cancer. Observed globally every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month seeks to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early diagnosis and timely treatment, and strengthen support for patients and survivors.

Among those present on the occasion were Dean Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida, Medical Superintendent Dr. Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy, DDA Lt. Col. Abhijit Sarkar, Dr. Sourav Kumar Mishra, Dr. Saroj Das Majumdar, along with other faculty members, staff and patients.