Karnataka’s first mobile on-site Bus to detect Breast Cancer launched

ENARADA, Bangalore, September 16, 2013:

The Poornasudha Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization in India and USA, along with the Rotary Bangalore West, launched Karnataka’s first On-site Mammography bus “MOM Express” ar Raj Bhavan today.

Hans Raj Bhardwaj, Governor of Karnataka and Minister for Health and Family Welfare U.T. Khader graced the inaugural event.

With the incidence of advanced breast cancer increasing in India, Mrs. Poornima Sudhindra, founding member of Poornasudha Cancer Foundation says “We sincerely hope that women take advantage of our simple yet potentially life saving service by having regular screening mammograms.”

The main advantage of MOM Express is that it brings simple, convenient, cost-effective breast cancer screening at your doorstep. Well-trained female technicians will perform the mammograms and the films will be read and interpreted by trained radiologists. Ultimately, we hope to empower women through early detection and education to conquer breast Cancer.

Dr. Sudhindra, Medical Oncologist, USA and Founder Trustee of Poornasudha  said “In India Breast Cancer is the number one cause of cancer related death in women. This is the result of a lack of awareness and education leading to most cases being detected at a late stage. we hope mammograohy unit will facilitate early detection and ultimately help to save lives.”

Currently in Karnataka, only large hospitals and very few diagnostic centres have mammography machines. At present mammography is the only way to detect breast cancer at an early stage. In Karnataka, less than 1% of women have an annual mammography exam. Poornasudha envisions expanding the service to other regions and widening the screenings to include other common cancers such as cervical and oral cancer.

Past District Governor Rtn. Rajendra Rai expressing his continuous support to Poornasudha said, “Rotary Dist.3190’s objective has always been service to community and we are glad to donate the Mammography Unit and CR system to MOM Express. Poornasudha’s initiative in combating the disease in urban and rural areas is appreciable. We will continue to provide support to the activities of MOM Express.”