Dateline Dehradun: UPES University, a premier multidisciplinary institution in Uttarakhand committed to holistic academic and personal development, has launched the Youth Chapter of the Breast Cancer in Young Women (BCYW) Foundation, USA. The initiative aims to empower young women with essential knowledge about breast health, prevention, and early detection, while also encouraging male students to support awareness efforts within their communities.
The Youth Chapter was formally inaugurated on November 28, 2025, at UPES, with an event that commenced at noon and continued throughout the day. The launch brought together students, faculty, and leadership from the School of Health Sciences & Technology, reflecting the university’s dedication to fostering socially responsible and health-conscious campus communities. Student leaders from multiple schools and departments participated, underscoring the initiative’s collaborative and inclusive spirit.
The chapter was established under the leadership of Prof. Padma Venkat, PhD, Dean, School of Health Sciences & Technology, and supported by Dr. Dhruv Kumar, PhD, Professor & Cluster Head, Allied Health Sciences, and Dr. Jyoti Upadhyay, PhD, Associate Professor and Coordinator, Clinical Research.
Speaking about the initiative, Dean Venkat emphasized the university’s commitment to preventive healthcare and student wellbeing. BCYW Foundation CEO, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, expressed optimism that the Youth Breast Health Chapter would evolve into a university-wide movement across all Schools.
The launch event featured an interactive 90-minute session followed by continued discussions led by experts, including:
- Rakesh Kumar, PhD, CEO, BCYW Foundation
- Vartika Saxena, MBBS, MD, Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine, AIIMS Rishikesh
- Gargi Pandey, MBBS, MD, Senior Resident, Community Medicine, AIIMS Rishikesh
- Kajal Malik and Ms. Ruchi Negi, Assistant Professors, Himalayiya College of Nursing, Sparsh Himalaya University
The sessions covered key topics such as:
- Understanding normal breast health and the importance of self-care
- Early detection and self-examination practices
- Common myths and misconceptions about breast cancer
- Lifestyle factors influencing breast cancer risk
- Prioritizing medical consultation and proactive health-seeking behavior
- Access to BCYWF and Youth Chapter Breast Health resources
Additionally, the event showcased student-led poster presentations to encourage ongoing awareness efforts beyond the launch. Students engaged in open conversations with experts, helping normalize breast health discussions and reduce stigma.
The Youth Chapter of the BCYW Foundation at UPES marks a significant step toward equipping young women with the knowledge and confidence to safeguard their health and raise broader community awareness. The establishment of the BCYW Youth Chapter comes at a crucial time. Breast cancer continues to be the leading cancer among women of all ages. The projected average age of diagnosis—33.73 years by 2040 for India—shows that today’s 18- to 19-year-old young adults will be the women at risk tomorrow. Early empowerment of young women can have a lasting positive impact on women’s health and well-being.
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