Worldwide, October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Patients can be cured or effectively treated only if they seek care early. Every year, breast cancer kills more than a hundred thousand women around the world. The good news is that 90% of early-stage breast cancers are curable.
To create awareness about breast cancer among the general public, especially women, KMCH observed Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a signature campaign titled ‘Ink for Pink’ on Wednesday at Semmozhi Poonga, Gandhipuram.
The Chief Guest, Saraswathi, Deputy Commissioner, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC), and Dr Arun Palaniswami, Joint Managing Director, KMCH, inaugurated the signature campaign by signing on the board.
Dr. Mathew Cherian, Chief of Radiology Services & Interventional Radiology & Neuro-intervention, KMCH; Dr. Rupa, Lead Consultant – Breast & Women’s Imaging and Interventions and Consultant In-charge, Breast Center; Dr. Anbukkani Subbian, Gynecologic Oncologist; Dr. Suganya Palanisamy, Consultant specializing in Breast and Women’s Imaging; Dr. Anand Narayan, Radiation Oncology; and nurses of the hospital graced the event and signed on the board.
Visitors were also encouraged to sign the board to show their support for breast cancer awareness.
During the event, special gifts were presented to the female workers of Semmozhi Poonga. KMCH said that free mammogram screenings will be provided for the female workers.
Free Mammogram Screening for the Public
KMCH’s mammogram bus will be stationed at Semmozhi Poonga, offering free mammogram screenings to all women visitors, said Dr. Arun Palaniswami.
He also shared that special celebrations will be held at the venue from October 22 to 25, 2026, with Sunday dedicated to the general public.
I appreciate KMCH for its social service
-Saraswathi, Deputy Commissioner, CCMC
The chief guest, Saraswathi, in her address, emphasised the importance of educating women on self-breast examination, particularly at workplaces and places where women gather, citing the practice followed in Western countries. She urged KMCH to conduct awareness programmes on self-breast examination at workplaces, educational institutions, and large gatherings of women. Saraswathi also appreciated KMCH for its social service initiatives.
Early detection is our strongest weapon
–Dr. Nalla G. Palaniswami, Chairman of KMCH
Emphasizing the significance of the initiative, Dr. Nalla G. Palaniswami stated in a press release, “Early detection remains our strongest weapon against breast cancer. Through this signature campaign and our continuous community outreach, we aim to eliminate the fear associated with the disease and encourage every woman to prioritize regular screenings and timely medical intervention.”
Women are important to our lives
Dr Arun Palaniswami, Joint Managing Director, KMCH
“Cancer is curable, and we need not be afraid,” said Dr. Arun Palaniswami. He emphasised the importance of women’s health, stating that women are important to our lives; they often hide their illnesses to avoid adding to their family’s healthcare expenses. He stressed the need to prioritise women’s health and ensure they receive timely medical attention.
“Come early, come quickly, and you can live without fear,” he said, urging women to seek early screening and diagnosis.
No.1 cancer among women in India
Dr. Rupa, Lead Consultant – Breast & Women’s Imaging, KMCH
Dr. Rupa emphasised the importance of early detection, stating that women need to be aware of breast cancer. She encouraged women to approach hospitals without fear, as early diagnosis can help them receive timely treatment.
She also highlighted the importance of mammogram screening for women above the age of 40.
“Breast cancer is the No.1 cancer among women in India,” she stated, stressing the importance of regular screening and early detection.
KMCH wish to provide free mammograms to Corp. Workers
Dr. Mathew Cherian, Chief of Radiology Services, KMCH
Dr. Mathew Cherian, Chief of Radiology Services at KMCH, spoke about the mammogram bus jointly operated by KMCH and Rotary Mettupalayam. He highlighted that, over the past five years, the bus has travelled from factory to factory, screening thousands of women and providing a valuable service for the early detection of breast cancer, free of cost.
On behalf of KMCH, he expressed the hospital’s pleasure to Saraswathi in collaborating with Coimbatore Corporation to provide breast cancer screening for the Corporation workers.
KMCH Covers Breast Cancer Treatment Costs
Dr. Anbukkani Subbian, Gynecologic Oncologist
Dr. Anbukkani stated that if a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer through KMCH’s free mammogram screening programme, KMCH will cover all her medical and treatment expenses. She added that this ongoing initiative has benefited many women.
Women should come forward without fear and undergo screening, she stressed.
Pink Semmozhi Poonga
The entire Semmozhi Poonga was illuminated in pink to raise awareness about breast cancer. The colour pink symbolises the courage to fight breast cancer and hope for the future, while the pink ribbon serves as an international symbol of breast cancer awareness.
A signature board will be displayed at the Poonga throughout the month, inviting visitors to sign it and show their support for breast cancer awareness.
World Class Breast Center of KMCH
The KMCH Breast Center has been serving the people in and around Coimbatore since 2013 as a one-stop comprehensive breast care center. From counseling to screening and diagnosis to treatment, the center brings together the best specialists,
advanced medical technology, and state-of-the-art infrastructure to ensure patients receive appropriate care on par with the best centers globally.
Equipped with the world’s best 3D mammography system, sophisticated ultrasound systems, 3T MRI, and advanced scanning technology, the center is well-known for its capability to perform a variety of scarless surgeries.
