Coimbatore: In India, at least 50 per cent of breast cancer in women living in urban and rural pockets is diagnosed only in its advanced stage. Early detection of the disease can help in cure.
“Even if a woman identifies a lump in her breast, she is hesitant to consult a specialist due to various myths and misconception of the disease and its treatment. Thus, those who have fought and won their battle with breast cancer can give patients diagnosed with the disease a ray of hope,” director and chief medical oncologist, Dr P Guhan, Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research (SRIOR), said.
The hospital organised the valedictory function of breast cancer awareness month at its campus on Wednesday. Over 100 breast cancer survivors who had undergone treatment at the hospital participated. The event also saw the team of medical experts of the department participating. A toll free number 1-800-266-8150 was launched on the occasion. People can call the helpline on all days between 9 am and 5 pm, and a counsellor would clarify the myths about breast cancer. In an interaction with the audience, Nandani (name changed) a breast cancer survivor, recalled her experience of overcoming the disease.
“About a decade back, on Vijayadasami day, when my child was enrolled in school, I registered for chemotherapy at the hospital. Today, I am completely cured of the disease and live a normal life with my family,” she said.
Another Coimbatore-based survivor Revathi Bhaskar made a presentation, educating the audience about life after breast cancer cure.
