New Delhi: The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, has released a special souvenir sheet featuring two commemorative postage stamps dedicated to breast cancer awareness, using philately as a medium to promote preventive healthcare and encourage early detection among women.
The stamps were released on October 30, 2026, at Dak Bhawan, New Delhi, by Manisha Sinha, Director General Postal Services, in the presence of Punya Salila Srivastava (IAS: 1993: AGMUT), Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and other senior officials from both ministries.
The initiative seeks to reinforce awareness about breast cancer, the importance of regular screening and the need for timely medical intervention.
Two Commemorative Stamps Highlight Breast Cancer Awareness
The special souvenir sheet features two postage stamps dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Through the initiative, the Department of Posts aims to use the reach of the postal network to communicate important public health messages.
Addressing the gathering, Manisha Sinha said commemorative postage stamps reflect the country’s priorities and can carry important awareness messages across geographical boundaries.
She highlighted the importance of:
- Regular breast cancer screening.
- Early identification of symptoms and timely medical consultation.
- Family support for women seeking diagnosis and treatment.
- Emotional encouragement for women undergoing cancer treatment.
Sinha also highlighted the potential of postcards as a means of providing emotional support and encouragement to women undergoing treatment.
Breast Cancer Accounts for Around Two Lakh New Cases Annually
The initiative comes amid concerns over the growing burden of cancer among women in India.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the country, with approximately two lakh new cases diagnosed every year.
Emphasising the importance of preventive healthcare, Punya Salila Srivastava appreciated the Department of Posts for using philately to promote awareness about women’s health.
She said regular screening for breast, oral and cervical cancers forms an important part of the government’s national healthcare programme.
She also called attention to the need to strengthen public awareness and encourage women to undergo regular screening for early detection.
How the Government Is Strengthening Cancer Screening
The Government of India has expanded population-based screening and early detection initiatives under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
Screening and referral services are made available through different levels of the public healthcare system.
The key components include:
- Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Provide population-based screening and primary healthcare services.
- Community Health Centres (CHCs): Support screening, assessment and referral services.
- District Hospitals: Provide further diagnostic and treatment facilities.
- Tertiary Care Hospitals: Offer specialised cancer treatment and advanced medical care.
The programme also focuses on identifying non-communicable diseases at an early stage and connecting patients with appropriate healthcare facilities.
India Post and Fortis Hospital Organise Health Awareness Sessions
Alongside the stamp release, the Department of Posts collaborated with Fortis Hospital to organise awareness activities at Dak Bhawan.
The sessions covered breast cancer and cervical cancer awareness, along with practical discussions on essential life-saving techniques.
The programme included:
- Awareness sessions on breast cancer and cervical cancer.
- Interactive demonstrations and discussions on Basic Life Support (BLS).
- Training-related sessions on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
The activities aimed to improve awareness about preventive healthcare and familiarise participants with basic emergency response techniques.
Where to Buy the Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Stamps?
The special souvenir sheet has been made available for purchase through the Department of Posts’ philately network.
Interested buyers and stamp collectors can obtain it through:
- Philately Bureaus across India.
- The Department of Posts’ e-Post Office portal.
The initiative combines the reach of India’s postal network with a public health awareness campaign, bringing the message of breast cancer screening and early detection to a wider audience.
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