Bhubaneswar: In a first in the country, AIIMS Bhubaneswar has set up a dedicated Breast Self-Examination (BSE) booth to promote early detection of breast cancer.
The portable booth at the Department of Medical Oncology was inaugurated Friday by Executive Director Dr Ashutosh Biswas as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities.
Dr Biswas said early detection is key to improving breast cancer outcomes. Awareness, timely consultation and regular self-examination can help women notice unusual changes early and seek medical help without delay, he said.
The booth offers privacy and has step-by-step instructions on its walls to guide women on how to perform self-examination correctly. The objective is to break hesitation, spread awareness on breast health and encourage prompt medical consultation. The institute said it plans to establish a permanent booth soon.
Associate Professor of Medical Oncology Dr Sourav Kumar Mishra said the department has treated about 1,000 breast cancer patients in the last four years and sees around 100 patients every month.
He flagged two worrying trends — many patients still coming in advanced stages and increasing cases among younger women — and called for stronger awareness and early diagnosis.
The department also underlined the importance of yoga, meditation, exercise, music and relaxation as part of holistic cancer care to help patients manage stress and improve well-being.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October globally to promote early diagnosis, timely treatment and support for patients and survivors.
