Kauvery Hospital on Thursday launched a mobile mammogram unit to improve access to early breast cancer screening for women.

Minister of Food and Civil Supplies P. Venkataramanan, who flagged off the vehicle, raised the need to create awareness of cancer screening among women.

The mobile unit was a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative undertaken in association with Lions Club of Chennai, KVG Charitable Trust, Lions District 3241 C.

Aravindan Selvaraj, co-founder and executive director, Kauvery Hospital, said the vehicle, which is slightly bigger than an ambulance, will provide screening at the doorstep. A women-led service, it will have women doctors and radiologists on board. “Women’s health is largely ignored. They do not come forward for breast examination, mammograms, and cervical pap smears due to privacy concerns. Complications are mainly due to late diagnosis of breast cancers,” he said.

He requested the Minister to take measures through the government to send reminders to women above 40 years to get screened for breast cancer once in three years.

The mobile unit is equipped to provide digital mammography screening, and and will travel to residential areas, workplaces, community centres and other locations across suburban and urban regions to help women prioritise preventive health. In addition, it will offer pap smear and colposcopy services, a press release said.

Kavitha Sundaravadanam, senior family physician, said many women were unwilling to undergo breast screening and mammogram, and skipped health check-ups. Some also fear mammograms, she said, stressing the need for breast cancer screening once in two years and pap smear once in three years.

Sujay Susikar, senior consultant, Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgeon said that when breast cancer is detected in the early stages, treatment is complete and easy and cure is possible.

S. Bose, District Governor-3241 C, Lions International; K.V. Gopalakrishnan, chairman, Lions Club of Chennai, KVG Charitable Trust; Iyappan Ponnuswamy, medical director, Kauvery Hospital; and Mahesh Kumar, medical superintendent, Kauvery Hospital, were present.