India, Oct. 31 -- Apollo Cancer Centres today unwrapped, Check-Olate, a novel public-health idea with a gourmet twist. It's a bar of dark chocolate which doubles as a monthly reminder for women to perform breast self-exams. Each bar has a QR code that opens a short, animated step-by-step guide, turning a small indulgence into a habit that can save lives. The launch during Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that breast cancer is the leading cancer among Indian women, yet screening remains abysmally low. Check-Olate moves awareness from posters to practice, nudging women toward a simple, repeatable ritual of self-examination at home. "Apollo's mission goes beyond treatment-it's about empowering women through early detection," said Dr Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, spotlighting the group's broader women's oncology focus. "Self-care isn't selfish-it's essential," she further added. Actor-author Tisca Chopra brought the metaphor home: "Everyone loves chocolate. Check-Olate takes something universally loved and turns it into a gentle reminder to care for yourself. It is a creative and thoughtful way to turn awareness into action." From clinic to kitchen shelf, the objective is the same: earlier detection. "When it comes to breast cancer, early detection isn't just important, it's lifesaving. A simple self-examination, just a few minutes a month, can make all the difference," says Dr Nita Nair, Lead Consultant, Breast Oncologist, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai. The comfort of dark chocolate, she noted, makes the message feel warm, not worrisome. As attendees left with dark chocolate bars in hand, Check-Olate felt less like a campaign and more like a ritual in the making - a sweet pause, a quick check, and one small habit to stacks the odds in women's favour. htc...