The National Breast Imaging Academy (NBIA) and Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust’s Breast Surgery Department are excited to announce the second intake of the clinical breast examination course in India in early 2025. Building on the success of their UK-based programme, which has been running since April 2022, this course is designed to enhance the breast examination skills of healthcare professionals across a range of disciplines.
This exciting collaboration, led by Sumohan Chatterjee, Katy Ellis, and Claire Robinson from Manchester, will bring much-needed expertise to healthcare workers in India. The NBIA team has been working closely with Dr Soumen Das, Dr Rahul Agarwal, and Dr Kamalesh Rakshit at the Institute of Breast Disease, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Hospital in Kolkata to adapt the course for an Indian audience. The course is specifically tailored for healthcare associates, physician assistants, community health officers, and nursing practitioners.
The one-day hybrid course will provide in-depth training on clinical breast examination, covering key topics such as the basics of breast cancer management, referral pathways, and self-examination techniques. Talks by Katy Ellis and Claire Robinson will be delivered virtually from the UK, while practical, hands-on sessions will be conducted in-person in Kolkata, overseen by Sumohan Chatterjee.
By extending this training to healthcare professionals in India, the NBIA and the Kolkata Institute of Breast Disease aim to help boost early detection efforts and improve breast cancer outcomes in the region.
Commenting on the partnership, the NBIA team said:
“We are thrilled to be working in association with the Institute of Breast Disease to deliver this important course. By equipping healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge, we hope to make a positive impact on breast cancer management in India.”
With breast cancer being a growing public health concern in India, this initiative is a significant step toward enhancing early detection and treatment in communities where access to specialised care is often limited.
The NBIA looks forward to supporting this important cause and welcomes participation from healthcare professionals across India who are eager to expand their expertise in breast health and clinical examination.