NewZNew (Chandigarh) : In a unique show of solidarity, around 300 women, from all walks of life gathered at the sukhna lake to participate in THE PINK RUN, which was organized by Max Super Speciality Hospital Mohali in association with SHE (Sacred Heart Ex-students association) to commemorate the Breast cancer awareness month. The run was flagged off by Mayor of Chandigarh, Ms Poonam Sharma and led by the Oncology team of Max Super Speciality Hospital Mohali.
In a morning full of fun and festivity, the 3km PINK RUN was the highlight of the event, in which senior oncologists, Dr Sachin Gupta, Dr Sunandan Sharma, Dr Ritesh Pruthy, Dr Pankaj Kumar, Dr Gautam Goyal, Dr Shaveta Gupta and Dr Sajal Kakkar along with the Chandigarh Mayor, Poonam Sharma participated with full vigour. It was an interesting demonstration of spreading awareness on Breast Cancer to drive home the message of early detection of cancer, preventive measures to be taken, treatment possibilities and how to keep a positive attitude in life.. Amidst other activities were skit on cancer awareness and yoga sessions, and informative talks on ‘holistic healing’ for cancer patients.
During the program, Ms Poonam Sharma insisted that unlike the past, Breast cancer is no longer a social taboo. “The word cancer; in itself, is enough to strike fear . However thanks to early detection and treatment options, this is a treatable disease. ““You can also help in the prevention of Breast Cancer, she appealed to the audience, “ by spreading awareness and informing people about it and how it can be prevented. Start today by talking to your friends and relatives and encouraging them to get their annual check-up done.”
Sandeep Dogra, Vice President and Zonal head, Max Hospitals Punjab added, “Max Cancer Centre is equipped with the most advanced key medical techniques and equipments to combat cancer. Max Cancer Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure with facilities for chemotherapy, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and rehabilitation. We are equipped with the most advanced key medical equipments like LINAC for Radiotherapy, 1.5 T MRI & 16 slice CT which is technologically the most advanced and a first in the region, to combat cancer at the grass-root level. The aim behind setting up Max Cancer Centre is to enhance patient convenience and make world class cancer treatment accessible to people in Tier 2 cities of India. ”
The first noticeable symptom of breast cancer is typically a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue. If detected early many cases can be cured and therefore screening is important even if women show no symptoms. Early cancer detection and treatment lead to higher chances of survival. Breast cancer a disease that develops from the breast tissue remains one of the most Prevalent types of cancer to attack women, advised Dr Sachin Gupta, Senior consultant, Medical and Hemato Oncology .
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide and affects women of all ages. Over 100,000 new breast cancer patients are diagnosed annually in India and the incidence is rising across all regions. “Breast cancer has replaced cancer of uterine cervix as the most common cancer among women in majority of population based cancer registries” informed Dr Sunandan Sharma, Senior consultant, Surgical Oncology. Striking a positive note Dr Ritesh Pruthy, Consultant, surgical oncology said that tremendous improvement has occurred in every aspect of Breast cancer management over the last two decades and has shifted Breast cancer treatment into multidisciplinary science. Earlier detection and more effective treatment have resulted both in an increasing percentage of early breast cancer and a decline in morbidity, added Dr Gautam Goyal, consultant, Medical oncology at Max Hospital.
“Women must get an annual screening for breast cancer. This includes Mammography (for women above 40) and sonomammography (for younger women)” revealed Dr Shaveta Gupta, Consultant, Gyane Oncologist. She said that in India, over half the patients reach the doctor in stage three and four, where the rate of survival goes down. “Worldwide, breast cancer accounts for 22.9% of all cancers in women . It is very evident from statistics that the incidence of breast cancer is rapidly rising in india . One of the most common cancers in urban areas in India , it accounts for upto one third of all cancers in women, informed Dr Pankaj Kumar Radiation Oncologist. Dr Sajal Kakkar, consultant, radiation oncology shared how women in the West scheduled their breast cancer screening on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries. “ That’s how seriously they take the issue of breast cancer screening However; in our country , women’s health almost always takes a back seat.
Sandeep Dogra, vice president and zonal head, Max Hospitals Punjab added, “Max Cancer Centre is equipped with the most advanced key medical techniques and equipments to combat cancer. It is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure with facilities for chemotherapy, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and rehabilitation.” The aim behind setting up Max Cancer Centre is to enhance patient convenience and make world class cancer treatment accessible to people in Tier 2 cities of India, he said.
“Breast Cancer screening begins at home. It is very simple to do this and takes just about 10 minutes,” Dr. Shaveta Gupta stated. “Many young women have the misconception that they do not need to perform self examination because of their age. However, this is untrue. Although breast cancer may be rare in young women however, it still occurs.”
Talking about some lifestyle changes which can help a person avoid getting Breast Cancer, Dr. Sachin Gupta said, “Decrease your daily fat intake while increasing the fiber in your diet. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, limit your intake of alcohol, stay active and don’t smoke. This will not only reduce Breast Cancer risk but also help prevent heart disease, diabetes and many other chronic life threatening conditions,” he added
Signs to look out for
Besides a lump, indications of breast cancer may include one breast becoming larger , a nipple getting retracted or change in shape or becoming inverted, skin puckering or dimpling, a rash on or around a nipple, discharge from nipple/s, constant pain in a part of the breast or armpit and swelling beneath the armpit or around the collarbone. The primary risk factors for breast cancer are older age, lack of childbearing or lack of breastfeeding, higher hormone levels, high fat diet and obesity.
