Udupi: The CSI Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital in Udupi is set to inaugurate a new breast cancer screening unit, equipped with a mammography facility, on Saturday, 30 August 2025. The inauguration ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. in the hospital chapel.

Inauguration ceremony details

Announcing the initiative at a press conference, hospital director Dr Sushil Jathanna stated that Udupi Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K. will inaugurate the unit. Reverend Ivan D’Soans, treasurer of CSI-KSD, will attend as chief guest, while Bharathi Hemachandra, Dr Deepa Rao, and Tanuja Maben will grace the occasion as guests of honour.

Dr Jathanna expressed confidence that the new facility would benefit women from Udupi and surrounding rural and coastal regions by facilitating early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer.

Addressing a growing health concern

Highlighting the urgency of early diagnosis, Dr Jathanna noted that breast cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in India. Mortality rates in the country are significantly higher than in Western nations, primarily due to late detection and inadequate screening facilities.

“The newly established mammography unit will ensure affordable screening, reduce mortality through early diagnosis, improve treatment outcomes, and create awareness about women’s health and preventable diseases,” Dr Jathanna said.

Hospital’s commitment to preventive care

For over a century, CSI Lombard Memorial (Mission) Hospital has been serving the community with accessible and affordable healthcare. Dr Jathanna stressed that the launch of this unit marks another milestone in the hospital’s commitment to public health and preventive care.

“With this initiative, we reaffirm our mission to reach women at risk of breast cancer and provide them with the best chances of early detection and successful treatment,” he added.

Support and participation

Hospital Public Relations Officer Rohi Ratnakar and Operations Manager Kavya Shetty were present during the press meet, reiterating the hospital’s focus on promoting health awareness programmes along with medical services.

Conclusion

The addition of the mammography unit represents a significant step forward for women’s healthcare in Udupi and neighbouring areas. With early detection playing a crucial role in breast cancer treatment, this facility is expected to make a substantial difference in reducing mortality and improving health outcomes.