Kolkata: In a significant step towards strengthening preventive oncology for women, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) today launched ‘End-O Check’, a dedicated early screening and diagnosis program focused on detecting endometrial and ovarian cancers in women aged 45 and above, especially those who are postmenopausal. The initiative was unveiled in Kolkata with a focus on enabling early detection and better outcomes through timely intervention.
Addressing the Growing Burden of Women’s Cancers
By 2025, India is expected to report 1.57 million cancer cases, with ovarian and uterine cancers ranked among the top five cancers affecting women. The age-standardized incidence rate is estimated at 4.6 per 100,000 for ovarian cancer and 2.5 per 100,000 for endometrial (corpus uterine) cancer. Changing reproductive patterns, sedentary urban lifestyles, obesity, diabetes, early menstruation, late menopause, and PCOS are among the leading contributing factors.
Early Detection is the Key
Dr. Rupashree Dasgupta, Senior Consultant and Lead Robotic and Laparoscopic Gynaecological Oncosurgeon at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, emphasized the power of early intervention:
“Endometrial cancer, when detected early, can be treated effectively through minimal access surgeries—robotic or laparoscopic—with excellent five-year survival rates. Likewise, early-stage ovarian cancer, when treated promptly, offers a five-year survival rate of around 90%. Early detection is critical in achieving better results with less invasive procedures.”
Ovarian cancer is often called a “silent killer” due to its vague symptoms, typically affecting women between 55 and 64 years of age. Meanwhile, many women ignore early signs of endometrial cancer, such as abnormal bleeding or discharge, which delays diagnosis and worsens outcomes.
Technology-Led Diagnosis
The End-O Check program includes risk-based assessments, symptom evaluation, and advanced imaging tools such as transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS).
Dr. Rashmi Chand, Consultant, Department of Radiology at Apollo Cancer Centre, Kolkata, said:
“Radiology plays a critical role in early cancer detection. Through End-O Check, we are integrating TVS as a key diagnostic modality that can help identify subtle changes early, even before symptoms are obvious. This enables quicker decision-making and better treatment planning.”
Expert Perspectives
Dr. Subrato R Debnath, Senior Consultant – Gynae Oncology and Robotic Surgeon, noted:
“We are seeing a noticeable rise in endometrial cancer cases in women over 45. If detected while still localized, global data shows a five-year survival rate of up to 96%. Delayed detection, however, significantly reduces these chances. That’s why early screening is essential.”
Dr. Surinder Singh Bhatia, Director – Medical Services (Eastern Region), Apollo Cancer Centre, added:
“End-O Check is not just about testing—it’s about raising long-term awareness, promoting preventive healthcare, and ensuring equitable access to reliable screening. Early detection not only saves lives but also allows for minimally invasive, more cost-effective treatments.”
Leadership Statement
Dinesh Madhavan, President – Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd., said:
“Early detection is our most effective weapon against cancer. With End-O Check, we are taking a proactive step from treatment to prevention—giving women the opportunity to catch cancers early and receive timely, precise care from expert cancer teams.”
Highlights of the End-O Check Program:
- Target Audience: Women aged 45 and above, especially postmenopausal
- Focus Cancers: Endometrial and Ovarian
- Tools Used: Risk-based screening, symptom evaluation, Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS)
- Survival Rates:
- 90% for early-detected ovarian cancer
- ~96% for localized endometrial cancer
- Objective: Empowerment through awareness, early diagnosis, and access to minimally invasive care
With End-O Check, Apollo Cancer Centres aim to empower Indian women to take charge of their health. By bridging the gap between awareness and access, this initiative marks a bold shift toward preventive care and improved survival in gynaecologic oncology.
