Cancer is a leading cause of death across the world. According to the World Health Organization’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths.
Meanwhile, the new estimates available on IARC’s Global Cancer Observatory show that 10 types of cancer collectively comprised around two-thirds of new cases and deaths globally in 2022.
In 2022, for women, the most commonly diagnosed cancer and leading cause of cancer death was breast cancer. Emphasising on the need to focus on breast cancer, Xiaomi India, on Tuesday announced a partnership with the Yuvraj Singh Foundation (YouWeCan), a non-profit organization established by former cricketer and cancer survivor Yuvraj Singh.
According to the company, the ‘Swasth Mahila Swasth Bharat’ project aims to screen 1,50,000 women for breast cancer over 12 months across 15 states, focusing on under-represented and under-resourced communities. This initiative represents Xiaomi’s most extensive effort in India so far, in terms of impact and reach, it claimed.
“In our decade-long journey in India, we have evolved beyond being a technology brand by leveraging our extensive network for meaningful social change. The stark reality that a woman in India dies of breast cancer every 6 minutes, with 70% of cases diagnosed in advanced stages due to lack of screening, underscores the urgency of our mission. We’re proud to join forces with the Yuvraj Singh Foundation (YouWeCan), harnessing our technological expertise to drive large-scale impact. Together, we aim to break stigmas, spread awareness, and enable early detection – potentially saving countless lives. This initiative embodies our commitment to India, extending far beyond innovation to address critical health challenges and create lasting positive change,” Muralikrishnan B, President of Xiaomi India, said during the announcement event on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Yuvraj Singh revealed that despite limited awareness and access to screening, especially in rural areas, they are determined to make a difference.
“Xiaomi India’s support is instrumental in scaling our efforts to reach 1.5 lakh women across 15 states. Their commitment is truly commendable. Together, we’re not just screening for breast cancer; we’re empowering women with knowledge and early detection tools. We are grateful to Xiaomi for their partnership in this initiative,” he said.
The initiative aims to provide access to safe breast cancer screening, create awareness about risks and self-examination techniques, and ensure early detection and timely treatment.
On the financial burden of cancer and other challenges associated with the disease, Singh told Financial Express.com: “We don’t have much help with insurance in India for health, unfortunately. As an NGO and as a brand we can’t be everywhere that is why…the public also needs to step up and work towards a cause. What we are working on…whether it’s detection or treatment or whether it’s scholarship for kids…we are working on several aspects. We all have challenges in those areas and with a bigger team now and more funds we can do more. There are multiple challenges like stigma and lack of awareness and we are working on a multi-faceted approach to deal with all aspects of cancer.”
Yuvraj Singh Foundation (YouWeCan), with support from Xiaomi India, will implement this project by collaborating with grassroots organizations and leveraging existing healthcare infrastructure.
The program features include:
- A community-based screening model using cost-effective, reliable technology
- Screenings in safe, accessible spaces like government schools and anganwadis
- Partnerships with local Primary Health Centres (PHCs), Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Government District Hospitals
- Comprehensive patient support, including education, counseling, and healthcare system navigation
The project which is a part of Xiaomi’s CSR, aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing health and gender equality, the company announced.
