KOLKATA: In a significant step towards improving breast cancer awareness, early detection and treatment adherence, the Institute of Breast Disease (IBD), Kolkata, has introduced two mobile applications aimed at reaching larger and diverse groups of women and patients. The apps were inaugurated by Dr Swapan Saren, Director of Health Services, West Bengal, in the presence of Principal Secretary (Education) Binod Kumar.Speaking at the launch, Dr Saren highlighted the emotional and financial toll of cancer on families. “A cancer diagnosis is a huge emotional setback. The cost of treatment can also push families into financial distress. Digital tools like these apps, if widely used, can provide knowledge, support and the confidence needed to fight the disease. Such innovations are always welcome,” he said.The first app, ME App, is designed to promote regular breast self-examination. It offers alert-based reminders, step-by-step guidance, symptom tracking and an inbuilt mastalgia (breast pain) tracking system. This feature incorporates the Kolkata Breast Pain Chart, an innovation developed at IBD Kolkata, and aims to convert everyday breast health awareness into structured, shareable clinical information. The beta version of the ME App will be officially launched on January 8.The second app, ChemoCare, serves as a digital companion for patients undergoing chemotherapy. It helps users track side effects, monitor symptoms and adhere to treatment schedules—addressing one of the most common challenges in cancer care: incomplete or abandoned treatment.Dr Soumen Das, Founder Director of IBD Kolkata, said the initiative reflects the institute’s long-standing vision of integrating technology with medicine. “The two biggest hurdles in cancer treatment are late diagnosis and patients discontinuing treatment midway. While cost is a factor, we have identified innovative ways to neutralise that challenge. These apps are a step in that direction,” said Dr Das, whose institute recently won the prestigious Vanessa Moss Award for Cancer Health Disparity at the London Global Cancer Week.Beyond these launches, IBD Kolkata is also collaborating with the West Bengal Health Department on an AI-powered screening and patient tracking app for use by ASHA workers. Under this public health initiative, frontline health workers collect basic breast health data, refer suspected cases for ultrasound scans, and use AI tools to categorise patients as high- or low-risk, ensuring timely intervention and continuity of care.Looking ahead, IBD plans to launch a comprehensive platform called me.app in March 2026, offering integrated awareness, mental health support and caregiving tools. The platform will be unveiled internationally at the St Gallen International Breast Cancer Conference and Asia Cancer Consensus Meet in 2026.“Small steps in technology can lead to meaningful progress towards smarter, more connected healthcare,” Dr Das said.
