“Urban, educated women, who can afford healthcare, and have access to it, are the ones who wake up to it very late,” says Dr. P. Guhan on breast cancer awareness. “Most of them come to us at a late stage. Early detection is the key for better cure.” Dr. Guhan is the director of Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital.
This is why he has launched a mobile app, Breast Cancer Awareness SRIOR, on breast cancer awareness in English and Tamil.
“With mobile phones, it gives instant reach and the impact is better too. Now, we have added a toll-free number too,” he says.
The app opens with two icons — breast-cancer patients and non-breast cancer patients. Anyone can click on the risk calculator (it assesses the risk of developing breast cancer based on your answers to a set of questions on lifestyle), follow a step-by-step guide on self-examination for early detection, get basic info on how to prevent it and lower the risk by opting for a healthy lifestyle.
“Reducing fat in the diet is vital. The section also has info on good fats and bad fats and the choice of healthy food. How to self-examine is a handy guide. Not all lumps are cancerous,” explains Guhan.
There are FAQs too. For breast-cancer patients, the app educates them about the different stages, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
“Urban women are more prone to breast cancer because of their lifestyle. They are obese, marry late, and have their first child after the 30s. They consume junk food that is high in fat and don’t exercise. In most cases, though they are aware of breast cancer, they fail to take steps to detect it in early stage. This should change,” explains Dr. Guhan.
Educated women should take the lead in spreading awareness among family members and friends. “Knowledge is a treasure. They can help and guide others. Information also busts myths related to cancer. For instance, many women fear that hair loss is permanent with chemo treatment. It is not so. They can always get their doubts cleared at the hospital. Awareness is the key. The app aims to achieve this. We also plan to introduce features that will connect the users to a counsellor. We have used technology to reach out in a big way. We have made awareness videos on YouTube where surgeons talk about the disease. It also features cancer survivors who talk about their journey,” he says.
He also draws attention to tobacco awareness with another app called Smoking Cessation SRIOR. To start with, there is a nicotine addiction quiz that asks questions: ‘how many cigarettes do you smoke a day?’, ‘Have you made the decision to quit?’ .... and, based on the answers, it gives you a warning signal to quit smoking. It also indicates the risk of developing lung cancer, heart disease and brain stroke, and a graph shows the effect the habit has on your life expectancy.
There is also a list of de-addiction centres across the country.
“According to a recent research, phone users in India download about 15 to 20 apps a day. It’s time they included health awareness apps. They often go for travel-related apps and entertainment. Health has to be a priority,” he sums up.
Where to find the apps
Both the apps are free and available on Google play store and iOS platform
Breast cancer awareness app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.magna.srior.breastcancer&hl=en
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/breastcancer-srior/id926225174?mt=8
Tobacco cessation app
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.magna.srior.smokingcessation
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/smoking-cessation/id884936471?mt=8
Toll-free numbers
Tobacco cessation:18002700450
Breast cancer awareness: 18002700703
All types of cancer: 18002706626
What you can do
Avoid alcohol and stop smoking
Reduce fat intake
Avoid high-calorie food and any food with artificial colouring agents
Food needn’t look attractive, it has to be healthy
Consume fresh fruits and vegetables
Make 30 minutes of moderate exercise a part of your routine. Go for a walk, cycle or jog
