The Story of the Snehita Brisk Tool
A Journey from Vision to Victory
The Snehita Brisk Tool is more than a scientific innovation—it’s a testament to perseverance, collaboration, and a deep commitment to saving lives. Its story begins with Dr. Paul Augustine, a visionary Surgical Oncologist, who inspired his wife, Dr. Regi Jose, to embark on a groundbreaking journey during her MD thesis work, where he served as her co-guide. Tasked with validating a widely used U.S.-based breast cancer risk assessment tool for the Indian context, Dr. Regi’s research revealed a critical truth: the tool fell short for Indian women, its findings misaligned with the needs of her community.
Undeterred, Dr. Paul and Dr. Regi set out to forge a new path. Together, they developed an original risk assessment model tailored to the Indian population, drawing from robust research and statistical precision. This pioneering effort gave birth to the Augustine Jose (AJ) Model—a name honoring their shared dedication. The model’s promise shone brightly as it was presented at conferences and published in parts within peer-reviewed journals, earning recognition for its innovative approach.
From Excel to Empowerment
When Snehita Women’s Health Foundation took root in 2016, the AJ Model found a new purpose. Dr. Regi integrated it into an Excel sheet to calculate risk for the women she served, ensuring precision in early detection efforts. It was her friend, Dr. Anoop Lal, Director of ZOVOZ Technologies, and Ms.Chitra Nair (UST Global) who saw its broader potential. “This could be a web tool,” they suggested, “accessible to all.” With their encouragement, the model evolved into the Snehita Breast Cancer Risk Calculator—a free, user-friendly resource launched for public use. In a selfless act of generosity, Dr. Regi chose not to pursue patents or personal accolades, insisting instead that it bear the name of Snehita, a gift to the community she holds dear.
A Technological Leap Forward
The Snehita Brisk Tool’s journey from concept to widespread use owes much to the technical brilliance of Mr.Sreekanth S of Raintel Technologies and Ms. Sindhu C (UST Global).They transformed the tool into a dynamic web application in the website of Snehita .Their ongoing server support ensures the tool remains freely available to the public, bridging the gap between innovation and accessibility. This digital backbone has elevated the tool’s impact, empowering women across Kerala and beyond with the knowledge they need to fight breast cancer.
2020 In News
https://odishabytes.com/doctor-couple-develops-an-online-risk-calculator-for-breast-cancer/
A Global Stage and Local Impact
In 2022, the tool’s significance reached new heights when Dr. Regi and Snehita were honoured with the prestigious ASCO Foundation International Innovation Grant Award. The grant fuelled a validation study among women in Dr. Regi’s cohort, yielding findings that solidified the tool’s reliability. Renamed the Snehita Brisk Tool, its updated framework was published, marking a milestone in breast cancer risk stratification. The Government of Kerala soon recognized its value, adopting it into the state wide screening programme “Arogyam Anandam, Akattaam Arbudam -2025”—a resounding achievement that affirmed its role in transforming public health.
A Legacy of Care
The Snehita Brisk Tool stands as a beacon of hope and ingenuity, blending science with compassion. From a thesis sparked by Dr. Paul’s encouragement to a statewide resource championed by Dr. Regi’s resolve, it embodies the essence of Snehita: a relentless pursuit of early detection, freely offered to all. This is not just a tool—it’s a lifeline, a legacy, and a promise that every woman deserves the chance to know her risk and reclaim her future.