Category: cancer care

“A Sweet Pause for Self-Care: Apollo Cancer Centres Introduce ‘Check-Olate’ to Boost Breast Cancer Awareness”

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Apollo Cancer Centres Launches ‘Check-Olate’: A Sweet Reminder for Women’s Health

A chocolate that inspires women to pause, reflect, and prioritise self-care

Bengaluru, October 31, 2025:
In a unique initiative blending indulgence with awareness, Apollo  Cancer Centres (ACC) has introduced ‘Check-Olate’, a special chocolate designed to remind women to take a moment for themselves and focus on their health. The campaign, launched during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, turns a simple act of enjoying chocolate into a life-saving message about early detection and self-examination.

As per GLOBOCAN, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer among Indian women, accounting for 13.5% of all new cancer cases and 10.6% of cancer-related deaths. Yet, screening participation is worryingly low, with only 1.6% of women aged 30–69 years ever having been screened (NCBI). Addressing this gap, Apollo’s initiative aims to normalise breast self-examination as a monthly ritual and encourage women to take charge of their well-being.

Mr. Dinesh Madhavan, President – Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., said, “When women are healthy, nations thrive. Every woman’s well-being strengthens families, communities, and the economy. At Apollo, we believe self-care is not a luxury — it’s power. Through initiatives like ‘Check-Olate’, we are promoting early detection and fostering a culture of proactive health awareness that can transform lives.”

Actor Ms. Pooja Gandhi praised the concept, saying, “‘Check-Olate’ takes something as universally loved as chocolate and turns it into a gentle, meaningful reminder for women to care for themselves. It’s a creative way to transform awareness into action.”

Each ‘Check-Olate’ bar carries a QR code that opens an animated video tutorial on how to perform a breast self-examination, making the process simple, accessible, and empowering.

Dr. Jayanti Thumsi, Lead & Robotic Surgeon – Breast Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Bengaluru, added, “Early detection saves lives. ‘Check-Olate’ turns a moment of indulgence into a call for awareness, replacing fear with empowerment. Even a few minutes of self-checking each month can make a life-changing difference.”

Beyond its message, dark chocolate itself was thoughtfully chosen for its proven health benefits — rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that promote heart health, reduce inflammation, and enhance mood.

More than a Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, ‘Check-Olate’ represents a movement — redefining how healthcare connects with people through creativity, empathy, and purpose. With every bite, it reminds women that self-care is strength — and awareness is power.

#WinningOverCancer

City Today News 9341997936

1 Lakh Screenings by 2026: Giostar and KCS Set Bold Cancer Awareness Target

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Giostar Hospital and Karnataka Cancer Society Launch Statewide Free Cancer Detection Campaign

Over 500 Beneficiaries from Initial Camps; Mission to Screen 1 Lakh People Across Karnataka by 2026

Bengaluru, September 27, 2025:
In a landmark public health initiative, Giostar Hospital, Bengaluru, in partnership with the Karnataka Cancer Society (KCS), has announced the launch of a comprehensive Free Cancer Detection Campaign aimed at tackling the growing burden of cancer through prevention, awareness, and early diagnosis.

Since its inception, the campaign has already conducted five successful medical camps across Bengaluru, benefitting nearly 500 individuals with free cancer screenings, awareness drives, and medical consultations. Building on this early momentum, the organizers have now set a bold and transformative target—to screen at least one lakh people across Karnataka by the year 2026.

The initiative places a strong emphasis on early detection, which remains the single most effective strategy to combat cancer mortality. Each camp is designed not only to provide free screenings, but also to educate communities about cancer risks, lifestyle factors, and the importance of timely medical intervention. The focus remains especially on underserved populations and economically disadvantaged groups, ensuring healthcare equity across the state.

Speaking about the campaign, Dr. Darshan Angadi, Medical Director and spokesperson for Giostar Hospital, stressed the life-saving importance of awareness and timely detection, “Early detection is our strongest defense against cancer. Through these camps, we are equipping people with knowledge, encouraging timely check-ups, and ensuring that access to critical healthcare is not restricted by socio-economic barriers. With the Karnataka Cancer Society as our partner, we are determined to take this mission statewide and touch the lives of at least one lakh individuals within the next year.”



Founded in 1968, the Karnataka Cancer Society has been at the forefront of the fight against cancer for over five decades, championing the causes of awareness, prevention, affordable treatment, and patient support. Its collaboration with Giostar Hospital represents a significant step forward in extending cancer care to the grassroots level and reinforcing the shared vision of making cancer detection and treatment accessible to all.

The next Free Cancer Detection Camp will be held in October 2025, and the organizers are encouraging citizens across the city and state to take advantage of this life-saving opportunity.

📞 Registration & Inquiries: Call 6366209990 |Email srikanth@giostar.com

The joint announcement was made at a press conference held at the Press Club of Bengaluru, attended by a distinguished panel including:

Dr. Darshan Angadi, Medical Director, Giostar Hospital

Dr. Reddy, Eye Specialist, Giostar Hospital

Dr. Srikanth Kulkarni, Giostar Hospital

Dr. Rekha Rajendra Kumar

Dr. Jayanthi Thumsi

Ms. Madhura Ashok Kumar

Dr. C.A. Kishore

Mr. Gundu Rao

Mr. Somashekar Gurumurthy

City Today News 9341997936

1 Lakh Screenings by 2026: Giostar and KCS Set Bold Cancer Awareness Target

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Giostar Hospital and Karnataka Cancer Society Launch Statewide Free Cancer Detection Campaign

Over 500 Beneficiaries from Initial Camps; Mission to Screen 1 Lakh People Across Karnataka by 2026

Bengaluru, September 27, 2025:
In a landmark public health initiative, Giostar Hospital, Bengaluru, in partnership with the Karnataka Cancer Society (KCS), has announced the launch of a comprehensive Free Cancer Detection Campaign aimed at tackling the growing burden of cancer through prevention, awareness, and early diagnosis.

Since its inception, the campaign has already conducted five successful medical camps across Bengaluru, benefitting nearly 500 individuals with free cancer screenings, awareness drives, and medical consultations. Building on this early momentum, the organizers have now set a bold and transformative target—to screen at least one lakh people across Karnataka by the year 2026.

The initiative places a strong emphasis on early detection, which remains the single most effective strategy to combat cancer mortality. Each camp is designed not only to provide free screenings, but also to educate communities about cancer risks, lifestyle factors, and the importance of timely medical intervention. The focus remains especially on underserved populations and economically disadvantaged groups, ensuring healthcare equity across the state.

Speaking about the campaign, Dr. Darshan Angadi, Medical Director and spokesperson for Giostar Hospital, stressed the life-saving importance of awareness and timely detection, “Early detection is our strongest defense against cancer. Through these camps, we are equipping people with knowledge, encouraging timely check-ups, and ensuring that access to critical healthcare is not restricted by socio-economic barriers. With the Karnataka Cancer Society as our partner, we are determined to take this mission statewide and touch the lives of at least one lakh individuals within the next year.”



Founded in 1968, the Karnataka Cancer Society has been at the forefront of the fight against cancer for over five decades, championing the causes of awareness, prevention, affordable treatment, and patient support. Its collaboration with Giostar Hospital represents a significant step forward in extending cancer care to the grassroots level and reinforcing the shared vision of making cancer detection and treatment accessible to all.

The next Free Cancer Detection Camp will be held in October 2025, and the organizers are encouraging citizens across the city and state to take advantage of this life-saving opportunity.

📞 Registration & Inquiries: Call 6366209990 |Email srikanth@giostar.com

The joint announcement was made at a press conference held at the Press Club of Bengaluru, attended by a distinguished panel including:

Dr. Darshan Angadi, Medical Director, Giostar Hospital

Dr. Reddy, Eye Specialist, Giostar Hospital

Dr. Srikanth Kulkarni, Giostar Hospital

Dr. Rekha Rajendra Kumar

Dr. Jayanthi Thumsi

Ms. Madhura Ashok Kumar

Dr. C.A. Kishore

Mr. Gundu Rao

Mr. Somashekar Gurumurthy

City Today News 9341997936

“Cancer Can’t Wait” Bengaluru Hosts Best of ASCO 2025 to Advance Awareness, Prevention, and Early Detection

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

Cancer Can’t Wait: Best of ASCO 2025 Bengaluru Brings Global Breakthroughs to Indian Cancer Care

Bengaluru, August 23, 2025: Cutting-edge cancer research and innovations were brought closer to Indian patients today as the Best of ASCO 2025 Annual Meeting opened in Bengaluru. The two-day conference, officially licensed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and hosted by the Global Healthcare Academy (GHA), has gathered more than 500 oncologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals to explore the latest advances in prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.

As India’s first Med Ed-tech platform dedicated to Continuing Medical Education (CME), GHA is working to connect global scientific progress with local healthcare needs. Through events like Best of ASCO, the academy ensures Indian doctors, students, and researchers gain timely access to breakthroughs that can transform patient care.

Awareness and Early Detection Take Center Stage

While discussions showcased innovations such as immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and CAR-T cell therapy, experts repeatedly emphasized that awareness, preventive choices, and early detection remain as powerful as advanced treatments.

In India, late-stage diagnosis continues to impact survival rates. Experts identified pollution, pesticide use, tobacco consumption, unhealthy diets, and limited awareness of family history as key drivers of the country’s cancer burden.

Dr. B. S. Ajaikumar, Chairman, HealthCare Global Enterprises (HCG) emphasized, “Cancer care in India must expand beyond treatment to include awareness, prevention, screening, and timely action. Early detection not only saves lives but also makes care more effective and affordable.”

Dr. Rakesh Jalali, Medical Director, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai said, “From proton therapy to genetic testing, science has given us powerful tools. But they matter only if combined with early diagnosis and proactive awareness. The first and strongest treatment is awareness.”


Power of Genetic Counselling

Oncologists urged families with multiple cancer cases, rare cancers, or early-age diagnoses to consider genetic counselling and testing. Experts stressed that genetic risk awareness is about empowerment, not fear, enabling families to act before cancers progress to advanced stages.

Apollo Hospitals’ Oncology Lead Consultant:
“Far too many patients in India present with advanced cancers that could have been caught earlier. Family history, genetic testing, and lifestyle changes are as vital as chemotherapy or surgery.”


A Shared Social Responsibility

Dr. Arvind Krishnamurthy, Professor & Head, Surgical Oncology, and Honorary Secretary, Indian Society of Oncology stressed, “Cancer is not just a medical condition but a societal challenge. From rural areas to urban centres, the message is simple—act early, get screened, and don’t ignore symptoms. Knowledge is the foundation of saving lives.”


Doctors highlighted that everyday steps—balanced diets, regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and processed foods, and reducing chemical exposure—remain effective defences against long-term cancer risk.

GHA’s Mission in Cancer Education

Anitha Niranjan, Managing Director, Global Healthcare Academy said, “Hosting Best of ASCO 2025 reflects our mission to close the gap between global research and Indian practice. We are committed to developing advanced CME programs in genetic testing, immunotherapy, and precision oncology so that healthcare professionals can stay future-ready.”

Highlights from Best of ASCO 2025 Bengaluru

Advances in genetic testing and cancer screening improving survival rates.

Breakthrough treatments like immunotherapy and CAR-T cell therapy offering hope in advanced cancers.

Tackling India-specific challenges such as late diagnosis and limited rural access.

City Today News 9341997936

India’s First Indigenous CAR T-Cell Therapy Achieves Two-Year Remission in Blood Cancer Patients

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Immuneel Therapeutics’ Varnimcabtagene autoleucel (IMN-003A) sets new survival benchmark for aggressive B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Bengaluru, August 9, 2025 — In a breakthrough for Indian oncology, Immuneel Therapeutics has reported the country’s first known long-term remission in patients treated with a homegrown CAR T-cell therapy. Seven patients with aggressive blood cancers have crossed the two-year progression-free survival (PFS) milestone — a first for India.

The therapy, Varnimcabtagene autoleucel (IMN-003A), was evaluated in the IMAGINE Phase 2 trial for adult patients with relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL), one of the most aggressive blood cancers with limited response to standard treatment.

CAR T-cell therapy, globally considered a game-changer, has been out of reach for most Indian patients due to high costs and complex logistics. Immuneel’s success demonstrates that advanced, next-generation treatments can be developed and scaled within India while achieving globally comparable outcomes.

Key Clinical Results

First Long-Term Survivors in India: Seven trial participants have surpassed two years without disease progression, showing durable remission.

Strong Response Rates: IMN-003A achieved an 83% overall response rate (ORR) at Day 90, 50% ORR at Day 365, and an 83% complete response rate, setting new benchmarks for Indian CAR T trials.

National Scale-Up: More than 50 patients across leading hospitals have now been treated, with consistent outcomes and a favourable safety profile.

Government-Backed Research: Supported by a BIRAC grant under the Department of Biotechnology’s BIPP scheme, the trial reflects strong national endorsement.


Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Co-Founder & Board Director, Immuneel Therapeutics, said:
“This achievement validates our mission to make world-class cancer therapies accessible and affordable. Long-term survivors from a Made-in-India CAR T therapy prove the transformative power of local innovation.”



Amit Mookim, CEO & Board Director, Immuneel Therapeutics, added:“Crossing the two-year survival milestone highlights India’s capability to deliver durable, next-generation treatments. Our priority remains expanding access and impact.”

With sustained results in over 50 patients, Immuneel’s work signals a new era for Indian cancer care — one where high-impact therapies are developed in India, for both domestic and global needs.

City Today News 9341997936