Apollo Cancer Centres Inspire Women to Prioritize Self Care with Innovative ‘Check Olate’

Ahmedabad: This Breast Cancer Awareness Month Apollo Cancer Centres ACCs in Ahmedabad have introduced a thoughtful initiative that blends indulgence with awareness  ‘Check Olate’, a dark chocolate bar that encourages women to take a moment for themselves and prioritize regular breast self examination.

According to GLOBOCAN breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of cancer among Indian women accounting for 13.5 percent of all new cancer cases and over 10 percent of cancer related deaths. However only 1.6 percent of women aged 30 to 69 have ever undergone screening as per NCBI data.

To address this gap ACCs aim to normalize self care and promote monthly breast self checks through the Check Olate campaign turning an everyday indulgence into a health empowering ritual.

Dr Preetha Reddy Executive Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd emphasized the importance of women’s health in driving societal progress. She said that every woman’s well being is vital for the strength of families and the economy.

“Closing the women’s health gap could add nearly one trillion dollars to the global economy by 2040. The Check Olate initiative reminds women that self care is not a luxury but power that fuels a healthier and more prosperous India,” she said.

Actress and author Tisca Chopra praised the initiative noting that “Everyone loves chocolate but Check Olate goes beyond indulgence by encouraging women to care for their health. Through something as simple as dark chocolate it turns awareness into action promoting regular breast self examination.”

Each Check Olate bar includes a QR code that links to an animated video demonstrating the step by step process of breast self examination.

Dr Anagha Zope Lead Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon at Apollo Cancer Centres Ahmedabad highlighted that early detection saves lives. “At ACC we’ve seen how timely screening helps diagnose breast cancer in early stages leading to better outcomes.

Check Olate is our way of transforming a moment of indulgence into a reminder for proactive health,” she said. Dr Shubha Sinha Consultant Breast Onco Surgeon at ACC Ahmedabad added that awareness must evolve into consistent habits.

“Just a few minutes of self examination each month can lead to early detection and improved quality of life. Self care should become second nature,” she emphasized.

Ms Rinku Agrawal Senior Scientist and Engineer at ISRO Ahmedabad and TEDx speaker shared her journey as a breast cancer survivor highlighting that cancer is not the end of life but a new beginning.

She said, “Cancer patients need love, care and encouragement more than sympathy. Small acts of kindness can light the path to recovery.”

Beyond awareness Check Olate also highlights the health benefits of dark chocolate which is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids known to reduce inflammation and support heart and metabolic health.

This makes it both a comforting and meaningful symbol of wellness. ‘Check Olate’ is more than a campaign it’s a movement to inspire women to reclaim their health through small yet powerful acts of self care.

By merging indulgence with awareness Apollo Cancer Centres redefine how healthcare communication can engage women with empathy creativity and purpose.