theparliamentnews.com

Bengaluru, India:
Kindness Practice Foundation, in partnership with the Tourism Finance Corporation of India (TFCI) under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, has conducted its seventh Cancer Education and Screening Camp at AiR Humanitarian Homes in Bengaluru. The initiative focused on cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection among underserved and underprivileged populations.

AiR Humanitarian Homes is a Bengaluru-based non-governmental organisation that provides shelter, food, and care to more than 800 abandoned, destitute, and homeless individuals. The camp aimed to address gaps in health literacy and access to preventive care within such vulnerable communities, where early detection of cancer often remains limited.

Kindness Practice Foundation has previously organised similar camps in urban slums in Mumbai, villages in Haryana, and remote areas of Kerala. The Foundation has announced plans to expand its outreach to Hyderabad, Goa, and Chennai in the coming months as part of its nationwide cancer prevention strategy.

Cancer remains a growing public health challenge in India, particularly among women. Globally, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women, with projections estimating up to 3.2 million new cases annually by 2050. Low- and middle-income countries are expected to bear a disproportionate share of this burden. In India, breast cancer is currently the fastest-growing cancer among women, with annual incidence rates increasing by an estimated 5.6 to 6 percent, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Recent studies published in 2025 and early 2026 indicate that while urban averages appear higher, breast cancer prevalence is rising steadily in slum and low-income settings. Nearly half of breast cancer cases in India occur in women between the ages of 25 and 50, a significantly younger demographic compared to patterns observed in many Western countries. Health experts attribute this trend to a combination of lifestyle, environmental, and nutritional factors.

Speaking at the event, Dr Rachna Chhachhi, Integrative Cancer expert and Founder of Kindness Practice Foundation, highlighted the importance of preventive interventions. She noted that obesity, chronic stress, environmental degradation, and declining nutrient quality are key contributors to inflammation and hormonal imbalance, which can increase the risk of breast and prostate cancers. Dr Chhachhi emphasised that prevention and early detection play a critical role in improving cancer outcomes and reducing mortality, particularly in communities with limited access to healthcare services.

The programme included a comprehensive education session covering cancer prevention, nutrition, inflammation reduction, and lifestyle modification. These factors have been identified by Indian and global research as significant in influencing cancer risk. Participants were also informed about the importance of regular screening and early medical consultation when symptoms arise.

The visit also highlighted community-led health practices already in place at AiR Humanitarian Homes. Radha Maa, who manages the organisation’s kitchen, presented their daily vegetarian meal plans, which include vegetables, ragi, and plant-based protein sources. These dietary practices were showcased as practical examples of how nutrition can support long-term health and cancer prevention.

In addition to nutritional education, the camp included demonstrations of slow yogic breathing techniques. Yoga and rehabilitation therapist Ms Aradhna explained how these practices can help reduce stress, inflammation, and pain, reinforcing the role of holistic approaches in preventive healthcare.

The initiative was supported by USEA and diagnostic partner Healthians, which facilitated screening and awareness activities during the camp. Organisers noted that such collaborations enable NGOs to deliver services more efficiently and reach populations that are often excluded from mainstream healthcare systems.

As cancer cases in India are projected to rise by approximately 12.8 percent by 2025, public health experts have increasingly pointed to the role of Corporate Social Responsibility as a catalyst for preventive healthcare. CSR partnerships allow non-profit organisations to scale screening programmes, adopt accessible technologies, strengthen health education, and extend services to high-risk communities.

Kindness Practice Foundation stated that continued corporate engagement is essential to expanding early detection programmes and improving health outcomes. By aligning CSR initiatives with national health priorities, corporations can contribute to reducing the long-term burden of non-communicable diseases while strengthening community resilience.