REPORT ON THE INAUGURATION OF THE YOUTH COUNCIL FOR BREAST HEALTH (YCBH) – MCON CHAPTER

On December 18, 2025, the Manipal College of Nursing (MCON) reached a significant milestone with the formal inauguration of the Youth Council for Breast Health (YCBH) – MCON Chapter. As a student-led initiative, the council aims to bridge the gap in breast health awareness among young women and empower nursing students to become community advocates.

The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr. Linu Sara George (Professor, MCON). She set a professional tone for the morning, welcoming the dignitaries and highlighting the importance of psychosocial support in breast cancer care.

Dr. Judith Angelitta Noronha, Dean, MCON, provided an overview of the college's vision. She emphasized MCON’s role as a lead in nursing education and expressed how this chapter aligns with the institution’s commitment to evidence-based health promotion.

Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Founder and CEO of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation, delivered a compelling keynote. He shared his expertise on the rising trends of breast cancer in younger demographics and explained the global mission of the BCYWF in fostering early intervention.

Dr. Anmol Mahani, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at SRHU, delivered a session on clinical symptoms. She provided a detailed guide on Breast Self-Examination (BSE), stressing that early detection is the most effective tool in saving lives.

Mrs. Geena Louis Dsouza, Lecturer, MCON, discussed the importance of this council. She highlighted the specific needs of the Manipal community and the role of this chapter in dismantling cultural stigmas surrounding breast health.

As the President of the YCBH–MCON Chapter, Ms. Aarushi Kaushal announced that the council has officially launched with a strong foundation of 34 members. The President noted the high level of enthusiasm among the student body and their dedication to the upcoming awareness campaigns on campus.

The formal sessions were followed by an interactive Q&A. Students engaged with the experts to ask questions regarding the Council’s plan to expand to Cervical and other cancers, as well as the expectations from the MCON chapter.

The inauguration successfully established the YCBH–MCON Chapter as a vital organization within MAHE. The meeting concluded at 11:30 AM with a formal vote of thanks to the speakers, faculty, and student volunteers. and student volunteers. The initiative aligns with SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG 5: Gender Equality.