Bangalore (PTI): HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd. (HCG), a cancer care network, today announced the setting up of HCG Centre for Breast Health here, an exclusive centre for the treatment and care of breast diseases.

The centre was inaugurated by Shabana Azmi, actress and social activist. A digital mammogram facility was also inaugurated by Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, Chairperson, Biocon Ltd.

These initiatives of HCG are part of its 'Pink Hope' campaign launched to create breast cancer awareness and provide early detection for cure.Proper diagnosis through mammography and clinical breast examination, staging and treatment would help in achieving long term control of this disease, according to an HCG release.

For those identified with the disease and not amenable for complete cure. 'living with cancer' is a reality with the support of HCG's Centre for Breast Health. A 'Pink Spirit Art Show' was unveiled at Swasti Contemporary Art Gallery that would express solidarity with the breast healthcare.

Ajai Kumar, Chairman and CEO, HCG, said "The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in India and if this trend continues we would fast catch up with the levels of western countries. The Centre for Breast Health, digital mammogram facility and mega aswareness campaign are the initiatives that would address the breast cancer incidence head on".

Azmi said "'Pink Hope' initiative to create awareness about breast cancer is indeed novel. I urge all women to take advantage of this initiative and get themselves screened with the state-of-the-art digital mammogram. I appeal to all to spread this early learning about this silent killer disease in your community, clear all myths and bring confidence to foster early detection and diagnosis."