Dr Raghu Ram submits roadmap to PM Modi on breast cancer care

Dr P. Raghu Ram, Founder-Chairman of Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation, has submitted a policy brief to Prime Minister Narendra Modi recommending a phased roadmap to strengthen India’s breast cancer screening. The plan emphasises routine Clinical Breast Examination, training of frontline workers, culturally sensitive communication, and survivor-led awareness to reduce stigma and improve early detection.

Hyderabad: Renowned breast surgeon and Founder-Chairman Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation Dr P Raghu Ram has submitted a comprehensive policy brief to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining strategic recommendations to optimize India’s national breast cancer screening framework.

While commending India’s foresight in integrating Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) into the National Health Mission, the policy paper presented by Dr Raghu Ram highlights that the hurdles that prevent women from getting tested for breast cancer are modifiable. They are rooted in widespread fear, deep-seated social stigma, and informational gaps rather than clinical limitations, according to him.

---

To bridge these gaps without creating a parallel healthcare structure or initiative, the blueprint proposes a phased implementation roadmap.

Dr Raghu Ram suggested deploying standardized regional language materials, engaging cancer survivors as ambassadors, and leveraging Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) alongside digital media to dismantle fatalistic misconceptions.

There is a need to embed CBE routinely into Primary Health and Wellness Centres while instituting rigorous, periodic training and certification for frontline health workers, Dr Raghu Ram said.

Prioritize privacy, culturally sensitive communication, and reduced waiting times to build trust and encourage sustained turnout. Transition tracking metrics beyond mere screening numbers to monitor the full continuum of care, from diagnostic completion to final treatment.

The roadmap suggests immediate short-term pilots and training expansions, scaling successfully into medium-term primary care integration. Ultimately, the framework aims to drive down national mortality rates by catching malignancies in highly curable early stages, Dr Raghu Ram added.