Vedanta’s BALCO Medical Centre (BMC) in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with The DEAR Foundation and the Translational AI for Networked Universal Healthcare (TANUH) Foundation to improve breast cancer awareness, screening and early diagnosis in India. The partnerships, announced during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, will combine digital awareness tools and artificial intelligence (AI) to help women recognise potential breast health concerns and identify those who may require further medical evaluation.
Under its agreement with The DEAR Foundation, a Switzerland-based non-profit organisation, BMC will promote the Dear You mobile application to encourage breast self-awareness, particularly among women in resource-constrained communities. The free application provides step-by-step guidance on breast self-examination in 11 languages, including Hindi, and offers reminders to encourage regular self-checks.
In a separate partnership with the TANUH Foundation at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, BMC will contribute clinical and mammography data to support the development of an AI-enabled screening tool. The tool is intended to assess breast cancer risk and help prioritise women who may need further evaluation through mammography. The initiative aims to develop a screening model suited to Indian women, with patient confidentiality maintained during the process.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in India. More than 60% of cases are reportedly detected at Stage III or IV, highlighting the need to improve awareness and access to early screening and diagnosis. Alongside the new initiatives, BMC operates a Comprehensive Breast Health Clinic that provides care from early detection and diagnosis through treatment and recovery. The clinic is led by an all-women multidisciplinary team and offers coordinated support to patients throughout their treatment journeys.
The centre’s approach is reflected in the experiences of patients such as 39-year-old Deepika Kannoje from Raipur. After discovering a breast lump, she underwent chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and rehabilitation at BMC. She also received a specialised LYMPHA procedure intended to reduce the risk of lymphoedema following lymph node surgery.
Another patient, Rajeshwari Jaiswal, was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 22 while pursuing her law degree. Following chemotherapy, targeted therapy, surgery and radiation at BMC, she completed her education and now practises as an advocate at the High Court in Bilaspur while continuing regular medical follow-ups.
BALCO Medical Centre is a 170-bed tertiary oncology hospital established under the Vedanta Medical Research Foundation. Its services include medical, surgical and radiation oncology, haematology, bone marrow transplantation and palliative care. The centre has recorded more than five lakh outpatient visits and treated over 76,000 patients.
Through the two partnerships and its existing clinical services, BMC aims to improve breast health awareness, expand access to screening and help more women receive timely diagnosis and treatment. BALCO Medical Centre is a cancer care facility in Naya Raipur, Chhattisgarh, providing specialised oncology services and multidisciplinary treatment. It is a flagship initiative of the Vedanta Medical Research Foundation.
Vedanta Inc is a diversified natural resources and technology company with interests in metals, oil and gas, critical minerals, power and technology. Its operations span India, Africa, the Middle East and East Asia. The company focuses on supplying materials for industrial development, energy security and emerging technologies, with sustainability forming part of its business strategy.
