Carestream Health India, a subsidiary of Carestream Health, Inc, a leading provider of dental and medical imaging systems has joined hands with Apollo Hospitals to offer mammography scans in Apollo radiology facilities in seven cities across the country.

The Apollo Hospitals will offer a 50 per cent discount for all mammograms performed during the month of October, which is observed worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Apollo Hospitals is offering mammography scans in Apollo radiology facilities and hospitals at Chennai, Bangalore, Kolkata, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Madurai. A mammogram records image of small lumps in the range of 3-5mm and early detection can help save lives. It is estimated that one in every 28 urban Indian women will develop breast cancer. In fact, this ratio is 1 in 22 for Mumbai city. A comparable ratio for breast cancer in rural women is approximately 1 in 59.

"Research by the International association for cancer research has shown that for every 500 women who have breast screening, one life will be saved. Women who take part in screening reduce their risk of dying from breast cancer," said Dr Selvi Radhakrishna, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai. "In women who have regular breast screening, cancer is more likely to be found early. This means that the cancer may be small and removing just the lump may be enough rather than needing a mastectomy," she added.

"We realized that modern lifestyles put women at greater risk and they need to be aware of the importance of having an annual mammogram", says Dr Mohan Nadkarni, director and country business unit manager, Carestream Health India. "We are pleased to join with the Apollo group in a programme to raise consciousness about this important need and contribute to the health of the community at large".