New collaborations will introduce multilingual breast self-examination guidance and an AI-based screening tool to improve early identification of breast cancer among Indian women.
Vedanta Group’s BALCO Medical Centre (BMC) in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, has entered into two strategic partnerships to improve breast cancer awareness, risk assessment and early diagnosis. The initiatives, announced during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, bring together technology and clinical expertise to make screening more accessible.
The cancer care centre has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Switzerland-based non-profit The DEAR Foundation and the Translational AI for Networked Universal Healthcare (TANUH) Foundation to develop technology-driven solutions for breast health.
Under its collaboration with The DEAR Foundation, BMC will encourage breast self-awareness, particularly among women in underserved communities. The initiative will promote the use of Dear You, a free mobile application that provides step-by-step guidance on breast self-examination in 11 languages, including Hindi. The app also offers reminders to help users maintain regular self-check routines.
The second partnership, with the TANUH Foundation at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, will focus on developing an artificial intelligence-powered breast cancer screening tool. TANUH is an AI Centre of Excellence in Healthcare established by the Ministry of Education.
The proposed tool will assess breast cancer risk and help identify women who may need further evaluation through mammography. BMC will contribute clinical and mammography data to support the development of a screening model tailored to Indian women, with patient confidentiality maintained. The initiative aims to support earlier detection while making screening more affordable.
The collaborations address a significant challenge in India, where more than 60% of breast cancer cases are reportedly diagnosed at Stage III or IV. Although breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indian women, delayed detection remains a major concern, highlighting the need for greater awareness and accessible screening options.
Alongside these initiatives, BMC continues to strengthen breast cancer services through its Comprehensive Breast Health Clinic. Led by an all-women multidisciplinary team, the clinic provides support throughout the patient journey, covering early detection, diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
By combining digital awareness tools, artificial intelligence and specialised clinical services, BALCO Medical Centre aims to strengthen early breast cancer detection and expand access to timely care. These efforts could contribute to improved screening practices and better outcomes for women, particularly in underserved communities.
(Photo courtesy: balcomedicalcentre.com)