Postal Department releases commemorative stamps on breast cancer awareness
The Postal Department released two commemorative postage stamps and a set of picture postcards on breast cancer awareness on 30 October 2026. The campaign is meant to nudge women towards early checks and self-examination.
What this means for you
Ordinary readers do not have to fill any form or pay anything because of this. It is only an awareness message. Women can get mouth, breast and cervical cancer screening at their nearest Ayushman Arogya Mandir and pay attention to regular checks and self-examination.
Key facts
- Two commemorative stamps and a set of picture postcards released on 30 October 2026
- 86.97 crore screenings for mouth, breast and cervical cancer under NP-NCD
- These include 22.90 crore breast cancer screenings
- 5.50 lakh people are under treatment, including 1.43 lakh breast cancer patients
- Screening is part of services at more than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs
- More than two lakh new breast cancer cases were reported in India in 2024
What happened
The Postal Department released two commemorative postage stamps and a set of picture postcards on breast cancer awareness on 30 October 2026. The event was held on the occasion of International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The stamps were released by Union Health Secretary Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava and Director General of Postal Services Smt. Manisha Sinha.
The initiative was conceived and started by the Postal Department. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provided technical input, reference material and background information for the health content on the stamps and postcards.
Why it was considered necessary
According to the release, more than two lakh new breast cancer cases were reported in India in 2024, and it is estimated that one in every 29 women is at risk of the disease. The event was told that breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for more than 30% of all new cancer cases among women.
Officials said that despite growing awareness and available screening facilities, late detection of the disease remains a concern. That is why early detection and self-examination are being stressed.
Where screening stands
Under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), a total of 86.97 crore screenings for mouth, breast and cervical cancer have been done across the country. These include 49.02 crore screenings for mouth cancer, 22.90 crore for breast cancer and 14.05 crore for cervical cancer.
Of these, 5.50 lakh people are currently under treatment. This includes 2.70 lakh mouth cancer, 1.43 lakh breast cancer and 1.37 lakh cervical cancer patients.
Where screening is available
According to the release, screening for mouth, breast and cervical cancer has been added along with primary health services at more than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. The cancer care chain includes screening and referral at the primary health level, confirmation and treatment at district hospitals, state cancer institutes and tertiary cancer care centres.
Daycare cancer centres have also been set up to provide chemotherapy closer to patients’ homes. Under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the NP-NCD portal and ABHA ID help with access to health records and continuity of treatment.
What ordinary people should do
The Health Secretary asked women to focus on prevention through regular screening and self-examination. She advised people to make greater use of government health services and digital health platforms for early detection and treatment.
The release also said it is important to remove fear and stigma around cancer and the barriers to reaching health services.
Questions and answers
Where can I get a breast cancer screening done?
At Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. According to the release, screening for mouth, breast and cervical cancer has been added along with primary health services at more than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
Do these stamps give me any benefit?
No, they are only a way to spread awareness, not a benefit or payment. The Postal Department aims to use its network to carry messages on early detection and prevention to people.
How can breast cancer be found early?
Through regular checks and self-examination. The Health Secretary asked women to focus on prevention through regular screening and self-examination.
Can breast cancer be treated?
Outcomes are better when it is found early. According to the release, about one-third of breast cancer cases can be prevented and one-third can be treated, provided they are detected early.
What is the link with ABHA ID?
ABHA ID makes health records easy to access. According to the release, under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission the NP-NCD portal and ABHA ID help with access to health records and continuity of treatment.
Source: PIB, "केंद्रीय स्वास्थ्य और परिवार कल्याण मंत्रालय के सहयोग से, डाक विभाग ने स्तन कैंसर के प्रति जागरूकता बढ़ाने के लिए स्मारक डाक टिकट जारी किए", 30 October 2026. Read the original notice
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