Mumbai-based startup Karkinos Healthcare and the global life sciences leader Bayer are collaborating to scale up cancer screening in target communities in Mumbai and Puducherry.

The collaboration combines Karkinos' focus on early detection with Bayer's vision of “Health for All” and aims to remedy cancer care disparities in target communities over the next two years.

Through this project, the aim is to screen 100,000 individuals, focusing on the following types of cancers: oral, breast, cervix, colorectal, and prostate. The initiative also ensures a care continuum by working closely in partnership with the community and local institutions.

Manoj Saxena, Managing Director, Bayer Pharma said “Our collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare will increase access to latest screening technologies for those in need, making timely diagnosis a reality for all”.

Dr Moni Abraham Kuriakose – Co-Founder, Medical Director, & CEO Kerala Operations, Karkinos Healthcare, said, " Early detection is the cornerstone for conquering cancer, enabling more effective and less invasive treatments. Teaming up with Bayer, we're starting a big effort to transform how we find cancer early in India."

This comprehensive cancer screening and early detection initiative will include inviting participants systematically, conducting screening tests based on individualised risk assessment, evaluating diagnostics, and referring positive cases to appropriate medical centres for treatment. Karkinos will utilise its existing network to amplify cancer awareness and screening across diverse community settings in these regions.

Bayer, renowned for its expertise in healthcare, will serve as a catalyst to create sustainable ecosystems for equitable cancer care. The partnership aligns seamlessly with the mission of both organisations to enhance healthcare access and reduce disparities.