Chennai, 01st November 2025: This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Apollo Cancer Centres, Chennai, and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, has launched a unique initiative that blends indulgence with awareness through ‘Check-Olate’, a sweet treat that carries an even sweeter reminder: take a moment for yourself.
According to GLOBOCAN, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer incidence and mortality among Indian women, accounting for 13.5% of all new cancer cases and 10.6% of total cancer deaths. Despite this growing burden, screening rates remain alarmingly low, with only 1.6% of women aged 30–69 years having ever undergone screening (NCBI). Recognising the urgent need for greater awareness and proactive prevention, Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, aims to normalise self-care through Check-Olate and empower women to make breast self-examination a monthly ritual, helping them take charge of their health early.
Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre hosted a panel discussion on the ‘Check-Olate’ campaign, an initiative aimed at promoting breast cancer awareness and early detection. The session was moderated by Dr. Rathna Devi, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, and featured an engaging discussion with Dr. Madhupriya R G S, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Dr. Manjula Rao, Consultant, Breast Oncoplastic Surgery; and Dr. Asha Reddy, Consultant, Breast Surgery. Ms. Devaki Vijayaraman, Winner of MasterChef India – Tamil (Season 1), joined the initiative, bringing a unique perspective on women’s health and empowerment. As part of the event, she unveiled a 1.5 ft tall dark chocolate wall curated by her to raise awareness about breast cancer.
Mr. Karan Puri, Chief Executive Officer, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre & Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, said, “When women thrive, nations flourish. A woman’s well-being strengthens families, communities, and the economy alike. At Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai, and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, we continue to drive early detection, enable timely intervention, and foster a culture where proactive care becomes second nature. The ‘Check-Olate’ initiative is yet another meaningful step in this journey, reminding every woman that self-care is not a privilege, but a source of power that fuels a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous India.”
Ms. Devaki Vijayaraman, MasterChef India – Tamil, Season 1 Winner, said, “Everyone loves chocolate, it brings comfort, warmth, and a bit of joy into our day. What makes Check-Olate by Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai and Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, special is how it transforms that simple joy into a heartfelt reminder for women to care for themselves and take charge of their health.”
Each bar of dark chocolate (Check-Olate) features a QR code that, when scanned, opens an animated video demonstrating a step-by-step guide on breast self-examination.
Beyond its symbolic warmth, Check-Olate thoughtfully uses dark chocolate for its proven wellness benefits. According to NCBI, dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and flavonoids that help reduce inflammation, support heart health, and uplift mood. Research further highlights its positive effects on skin, cardiovascular, and metabolic health, making it not just a treat for the senses but a meaningful reminder that caring for your health can also be a source of comfort.
‘Check-Olate’ is more than a Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiative; it’s a movement to help women reclaim control over their well-being through simple, meaningful rituals. By turning a moment of indulgence into a nudge for self-care, Apollo Cancer Centres redefines how healthcare communication can connect with empathy, creativity, and purpose.