A treat that’s more than just a chocolate, reminding every woman to take a moment for herself.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Apollo Women Cancer Centre (ACCs) 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 incidences 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, ACCs 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.
Dr. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said, “When women are healthy, nations prosper. Every woman’s well-being is a force multiplier that strengthens families, communities, and the economy. Closing the women’s health gap could add an estimated 1 trillion dollars annually to the global economy by 2040. At Apollo, we see women’s health as a national priority and a shared responsibility. Through Apollo Cancer Centres, we are advancing early detection, enabling timely intervention, and building a culture where proactive care is the norm. The ‘Check-Olate’ initiative is another purposeful step in this mission, reminding women that self-care is not a privilege; it is power, and it fuels a healthier, stronger, and more prosperous India.”
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.
Dr GeetaKadayaprath, Lead – Breast Surgical Oncology, Apollo Athenaa Women Cancer Centre, Delhi said, “When it comes to breast cancer, early detection saves life. At AAWCC, it is our constant endeavour to ensure that every women understands the importance of breast awareness. Awareness about self is the first step to catching an abnormality and breast self-examination is your tool to get familiar with your breasts and detect an abnormality early. Check-Olate is our way of turning a small moment of indulgence into a gentle reminder for self-care. Dark chocolate is comforting and good for the heart and it is our initiative to tell every woman that a simple self-examination, just a few minutes a month, can make all the difference.”
Dr. Mrs. Ramesh Sarin, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, said, “Breast cancer awareness begins with understanding that early detection saves lives. A simple self-examination can make the difference between an early cure and a late diagnosis. The Check-Olate initiative beautifully bridges compassion with awareness, using something as comforting as chocolate to remind women that caring for themselves is not indulgence, but an act of strength and self-respect.”
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’s Women Cancer Centre redefines how healthcare communication can connect with empathy, creativity, and purpose.
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