Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research (SRIOR), Coimbatore launched on Thursday a toll-free Breast Cancer Helpline number, to mark the inaugural of the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One can dial 1800-2700-703 from anywhere in India and get basic and vital information on breast cancer in both English and Tamil.
Joint Managing Trustee SNR Sons Charitable Trust D. Lakshminarayanaswamy launched the helpline.
Director and Chief Oncologist of the institute P. Guhan said that the system would list out nine options to get details on a specific topic and the caller will be able to listen to recorded information.
These are on topics such as stages of breast cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms, early detection, diagnostic tests, treatment options, chemotherapy and its side effects, dietary tips, and preventive measures.
After listening to the recording, the caller can put forth their queries on that topic, which will go through as an SMS to the people manning the helpline. The caller will receive a response along with advice on the closest oncology centre close to the caller location.
Dr. Guhan explained that to bring about the mobile-based platform, the team worked with technicians in Bengaluru for more than four months to reach out to more people, who depend on mobile phones for their day-to-day requirements.
“Based on response for the helpline, the institute will consider launching similar helpline number for other forms of cancer,” Dr. Guhan said.
During the month long campaign till October 31, the institute plans to distribute five lakh pamphlets on breast cancer to women in the region with the help of NSS volunteers from Bharathiar University. They have also announced free mammogram for women from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the month.
The oncologist said they have already screened 2,18,486 women in six districts in this region from 2005.
