India Post releases two commemorative stamps and picture postcards to promote breast cancer awareness, early detection and preventive healthcare.
The Department of Posts on Friday released two commemorative postage stamps and a set of picture postcards dedicated to breast cancer awareness, marking International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative aims to leverage the extensive postal network to spread awareness about breast cancer, the importance of early detection and preventive healthcare.
Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava and Director General of Postal Services Manisha Sinha jointly released the stamps. The initiative was conceptualised and undertaken by the Department of Posts, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare providing technical inputs, reference materials and background information for the health-related content.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Srivastava emphasised that women's health is fundamental to building healthy families and a healthy nation. She called for greater focus on preventive healthcare and regular screening.
Referring to the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, conducted from September 17 to October 2 last year, she said the initiative placed special emphasis on women's health through screening and awareness activities.
India reported more than two lakh new breast cancer cases in 2024, with an estimated one in every 29 women at risk of developing the disease, she said.
Highlighting the importance of early diagnosis, the Health Secretary noted that timely detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. However, delayed diagnosis continues to remain a concern despite increasing awareness and the availability of screening facilities.
She urged women to undergo regular health check-ups, practise self-examination and make greater use of government healthcare facilities and digital health platforms for timely diagnosis and treatment.
Ms. Srivastava highlighted the government's efforts to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
Under the programme, screening for oral, breast and cervical cancers has been integrated into primary healthcare services across more than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
A total of 86.97 crore screenings have been conducted across the country for the three cancers. These include:
Of those screened, 5.50 lakh individuals are currently undergoing treatment. This includes 2.70 lakh oral cancer patients, 1.43 lakh breast cancer patients and 1.37 lakh cervical cancer patients.
She also highlighted the role of the NP-NCD portal and ABHA IDs under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission in maintaining accessible health records and ensuring continuity of care across healthcare facilities.
Director General of Postal Services Manisha Sinha highlighted the role of the postal network in taking important public health messages to communities across the country.
She said commemorative stamps serve as lasting instruments of public awareness and reflect national priorities. The extensive reach of postal services would help communicate the importance of breast cancer screening and encourage support for women affected by the disease.
She also acknowledged the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for providing technical guidance and reference material for the initiative.
Additional Director General Dr. Pushp Lata, in her address, said breast cancer was the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for more than 30 per cent of all new cancer cases diagnosed among women.
Emphasising the importance of early detection, she said timely diagnosis could significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. Nearly one-third of breast cancer cases are preventable, while another one-third can be cured if detected early, she added.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed internationally from October 1 to 31 every year. The campaign aims to promote awareness, encourage early detection, improve access to screening and treatment, and extend support to individuals affected by the disease.
Through the commemorative stamps and picture postcards, the Department of Posts seeks to take this message to communities across the country.
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