The Apollo Cancer Centers (ACC) launched ArtCan, a unique initiative which uses art as a medium to spread awareness on Breast Cancer. Apollo Cancer Centers joined hands with mural artists and survivors to curate art that educates and empowers every woman about the importance of regular breast self-examination.
Through ancient Kerala Mural Art, 8 steps of self-breast examination brought attention to the issue of breast cancer. Each frame reflected the story of a woman who discovered this condition while performing a self-breast examination, acted on time and defeated cancer. These eight steps have also been depicted in a book format called ‘Chitra Sutra’.
The Mural Arts were unveiled on October 31, 2022 at Hotel Rain Tree, Anna Salai, Chennai. This unique initiative was inaugurated by actress Prayaga Martin, in the presence of Ms Tanya Mallavarapu Reddy, Founder Mallavarapu Studio, Dr. Rathna Devi, Consultant, Radiation Oncologist, the Eminent Artist Adarsh, Breast Cancer Experts and the winners.
Sharing her thoughts at the launch of ArtCan campaign, Actress Prayaga Martin said, “It gives me great pleasure to be a part of the campaign ‘ArtCan’. Art facilitates communication between patients and healthcare personnel by bringing forth insights from the patients’ views that can be communicated to the world. I appreciate Apollo Cancer Centres’ use of art as a medium to educate and raise awareness about self-breast examination. I’m hoping that this initiative will reach women from all over the country and help them win over breast cancer.”
Speaking during the launch of the campaign, Ms Tanya Mallavarapu Reddy, Founder, Mallavarapu Studio, said, “It’s a popular belief that life imitates art and hence, art has the power to transcend languages and cultural barriers. The initiative, ArtCan will create a silent conversation and leave a deep impression on the audience. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer globally and accounts for 25% of all cancer cases in women and reports show that early detection is the key to better outcomes. We believe that the ancient Kerala mural art is a unique medium to create awareness about breast cancer and the importance of breast self-examination”.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr, Rathna Devi, Consultant, Radiation Oncologist, said, “In 2022, over 20 lakh cases of breast cancer have been witnessed so far. Apollo Cancer Centres has been a leader in Oncology and has treated multiple complex cancer cases. Understanding and getting tested for cancer at the right time can make a difference in saving a life. This initiative will convey our message to the masses to be cautious of breast cancer and understand the symptoms to get tested at an early stage.”
The cancer winner shared her thoughts on the initiative, and said, “Apollo Cancer Centre has been my pillar of strength throughout my journey of winning over cancer. Breast cancer came with stigma and loads of challenges, but the timely medical treatment and tender loving care of Apollo helped me through. As a survivor myself, in line with this initiative of ArtCan, I encourage women all around India to get regularly tested for breast cancer. The early detection not only increases the chances of survival but can be treated in the best way possible without complications.”
“It was truly fulfilling to work on this one-of-a-kind project, ArtCan. We are glad that Apollo Cancer Centers is using this powerful medium of storytelling through traditional Indian art to disseminate important medical information. Information that can save thousands of lives. At the same time, this effort is shining a spotlight on India’s proud artistic heritage and our master artists, which really aligns with our mission,” said Adarsh, mural artist.
Breast Cancer is a result of multiple factors which include environmental and lifestyle changes. In most cases, it is due to anomalies that arise out of the ageing process, while in 5-10% of the cases, it is genetically inherited. Early detection is the best protection against breast cancer. Regular self-examination and mammography at regular intervals have proven to be most effective in early diagnosis and in achieving better results in treatment and cure. Apollo Hospitals has been a pioneer in introducing comprehensive screening protocols for the early detection of breast cancer.
