AhmeCentres dabad, 30th October 2025: This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Apollo Cancer (ACCs) has launched a unique initiative that blends indulgence with awareness through ‘Check-Olate’, a sweet treat that carries an even sweeter reminder: take a moment for yourself.
According to GLOBOCAN, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among Indian women, accounting for 13.5% of all new cancer cases and 10.6% of total cancer deaths. Despite this growing burden, screening rates remain alarmingly low, with only 1.6% of women aged 30–69 years having ever undergone screening (NCBI). Recognising the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive prevention, ACCs aims to normalise self-care through Check-Olate and empower women to make breast self-examination a monthly ritual, helping them take charge of their health early.
Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said, “When women are healthy, nations prosper. Every woman’s well-being is a force multiplier that strengthens families, communities, and the economy. Closing the women’s health gap could add an estimated 1 trillion dollars annually to the global economy by 2040. At Apollo, we see women’s health as a national priority and a shared responsibility. Through Apollo Cancer Centres we are advancing early detection, enabling timely intervention, and building a culture where proactive care is the norm. The ‘Check-Olate’ initiative is another purposeful step in this mission, reminding women that self-care is not a privilege; it is power, and it fuels a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous India.”
Actress and author, Ms Tisca Chopra, said, “Everyone loves chocolate; it brings comfort, warmth, and a bit of joy into our day. What makes Check-Olate truly special is how it takes something so universally loved and turns it into a gentle reminder for women to care for themselves. Through something as simple as a bar of dark chocolate, it encourages regular breast self-examination. I think that’s such a creative and thoughtful way to turn awareness into action and empower women to truly understand their health.”
Each bar of dark chocolate (Check-Olate) features a QR code that, when scanned, opens an animated video demonstrating a step-by-step guide on breast self-examination.
Dr Anagha Zope, Lead Consultant, Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon, Apollo Cancer Centres, Ahmedabad, said, “When it comes to breast cancer, early detection isn’t just important, it’s lifesaving. At ACC, we’ve witnessed firsthand how timely screening and awareness have helped save numerous women through early-stage diagnosis and treatment. Check-Olate is our way of turning a moment of indulgence into a reminder for proactive health. Dark chocolate, known for its antioxidant and mood-enhancing benefits, becomes a comforting messenger of care, reminding every woman that a simple self-examination, just a few minutes a month, can make all the difference. By making this message accessible and relatable, we aim to replace fear with awareness and action.”
Dr Shubha Sinha, Consultant Breast Onco Surgeon, Apollo Cancer Centres, Ahmedabad said, “Awareness is the first step towards prevention. It’s important that women turn awareness into a simple, consistent habit. Just a few minutes of self-examination each month can lead to early detection, which greatly improves outcomes and quality of life. The goal is to make self-care second nature — because every woman deserves the chance to detect early, act early, and live fully.”
Highlighting her journey of breast cancer, Ms. Rinku Agrawal, Sr Scientist/Engineer and Head of Department, Space Application Centre (ISRO) Ahmedabad, and TEDx Speaker, shared, “Cancer is not the end of the life. Life is much beyond it. I chose to face it with courage and turned a painful chapter into a new beginning. The love and support of my family and friends became my strength and gave me hope to keep moving forward. Cancer patients do not seek sympathy; they need love, care, and genuine support to help them overcome the challenges they face each day during their toughest times. Every small act of kindness, encouragement, and understanding can light the path of recovery and make life more meaningful beyond cancer.”
Beyond its symbolic warmth, Check-Olate thoughtfully uses dark chocolate for its proven wellness benefits. According to NCBI, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and uplift mood. Research further highlights its positive effects on skin, cardiovascular, and metabolic health, making it not just a treat for the senses but a meaningful reminder that caring for your health can also be a source of comfort.
‘Check-Olate’ is more than a Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiative; it’s a movement to help women reclaim control over their well-being through simple, meaningful rituals. By turning a moment of indulgence into a nudge for self-care, Apollo Cancer Centres redefines how healthcare communication can connect with empathy, creativity, and purpose.
