The Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has launched-ArtCan, an initiative which uses art as a medium to spread awareness on breast cancer. Apollo Cancer Centres joined hands with mural artists and survivors to curate art that educates and empowers every woman about the importance of regular self-breast examination.
Through ancient Kerala Mural Arts, 8 steps of self-breast examination bring attention to the issue of breast cancer. Each frame reflects the story of a woman who discovered this condition while performing a self-breast examination, acted on time and defeated cancer. These eight steps have also been depicted in a book format called ‘Chitra Sutra’.
Sharing his thoughts at the launch of ArtCan campaign, Santosh Marathe, Regional CEO Western Region, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise said. “Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer globally and accounts for 25 per cent of all cancer cases in women. So, early detection is the key to better outcomes. In keeping with our vision of being at the forefront of cancer research, we have launched the ‘ArtCan’ breast cancer awareness campaign. We believe the ancient Kerala mural art is a unique medium to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of self-breast examination (SBE). It’s a popular belief that life imitates art and hence, art has the power to transcend languages and cultural barriers. Our initiative, ArtCan, will create a silent conversation and leave a deep impression on the audience.”
Breast cancer is a result of multiple factors which include environmental and lifestyle changes. In most cases, it is due to anomalies that arise out of the aging process, while in 5-10 per cent of the cases, it is genetically inherited. Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer. Regular self-examination and mammography at regular intervals have proven to be most effective in early diagnosis and in achieving better results in treatment and cure.
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