Mobile Apps Launched in Kolkata to Expand Breast Cancer Outreach and Care

The initiative aims to extend outreach beyond clinical settings and address persistent gaps in screening and treatment adherence.

The Institute of Breast Disease (IBD), Kolkata, has launched two mobile applications designed to improve breast cancer awareness, early detection, and continuity of care among women and patients.

The initiative aims to extend outreach beyond clinical settings and address persistent gaps in screening and treatment adherence.

The applications were inaugurated by Dr Swapan Saren, Director of Health Services, West Bengal, in the presence of Principal Secretary (Education) Binod Kumar. The launch is part of IBD’s broader effort to use digital tools to reach diverse populations and support patients across different stages of breast cancer care.

Addressing the audience, Dr Saren underscored the emotional and financial burden associated with cancer. He noted that digital platforms, when widely adopted, can play a role in spreading awareness, providing guidance, and supporting patients through the treatment journey.

The first application, ME App, focuses on preventive care by encouraging regular breast self-examinations. It includes alert-based reminders, step-by-step examination guidance, symptom tracking, and an integrated mastalgia tracking system. The app incorporates the Kolkata Breast Pain Chart, developed by IBD Kolkata, which converts self-reported symptoms into structured clinical data that can be shared with healthcare providers. The beta version of the ME App is scheduled for official release on January 8.

The second application, ChemoCare, is designed as a digital companion for patients undergoing chemotherapy. It enables users to track side effects, monitor symptoms, and follow treatment schedules. The app addresses a common challenge in oncology care—patients discontinuing or delaying treatment due to side effects, lack of monitoring, or insufficient support.

Dr Soumen Das, Founder Director of IBD Kolkata, said the initiative is aligned with the institute’s long-standing focus on integrating technology with clinical care. He identified late diagnosis and incomplete treatment as two major barriers in breast cancer outcomes and said the apps are intended to address both issues through early engagement and sustained monitoring. IBD Kolkata recently received the Vanessa Moss Award for Cancer Health Disparity at the London Global Cancer Week.

Beyond the app launches, IBD is collaborating with the West Bengal Health Department on an AI-enabled breast cancer screening and patient tracking application for ASHA workers. Under this initiative, frontline health workers collect basic breast health data, refer suspected cases for ultrasound screening, and use AI tools to stratify patients by risk level.

IBD also plans to launch a broader digital platform, me.app, in March 2026. The platform is expected to integrate awareness tools, mental health support, and caregiving resources, with an international unveiling planned later in 2026.

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