In the Open

To address this growing concern,Sahyadri Speciality Hospital,Deccan Gymkhana organised four breast cancer screening camps at four major locations across the city – Deccan,Kothrud,Hadapsar and Swargate. This month-long activity saw a great response. More than 200 women took advantage of these camps. The aim of the camps was to increase breast cancer awareness in women so that tumours can be detected at an early stage.

The camps were intended for women above 40 years of age and/or who have a family history of breast cancer. The camps were supervised by an expert team of oncologists of Sahyadri Speciality Hospital comprising Dr Shona Nag and Dr Anupama Mane.

According to Dr Mane,a good and healthy lifestyle goes a long way in the prevention of cancer. This holds true for breast cancer as well. Even though only 10 per cent of breast tumours are cancerous,it is important to have regular check-ups. Dr Mane states a western lifestyle,increased consumption of fatty products,obesity,late marriages,delayed child bearing and fewer number of children being conceived leading to reduced breastfeeding,to be behind this increased risk of breast cancer.

Dr Nag advises 30-45 minutes of both cardio and strength training,five times a week,for maintaining the ideal body weight. For those who are busy in the office and cannot make it to the gym were advised to practice being more active in the office. For example – taking the stairs instead of the lift,walking home if workplace is close by,getting up to get that glass of water or tea and coffee.

Any lump in the breasts should be checked by a doctor. Be breast aware. Obesity is the single most important risk factor for breast cancer and it can be reversed. A healthy diet and moderate exercise will help combat this problem of obesity and keep breast cancer at bay. The Oncology service of Sahyadri Speciality Hospital aims to provide a holistic approach to treating not only the cancer but in addressing the other needs of the patients as well. The department of Medical Oncology offers diagnosis and treatment for the entire gamut of solid tumours (breast,lung,colon,ovary,and so on.)

Support groups

‘Cancer is a word and not a Sentence’ is the primary focus of the support group for breast cancer patients. Participants of support groups have been known to survive longer and have a better quality of life than other patients. Ruby Hall Cancer Centre organised the first meeting of a Support Group for Breast Cancer Patients. The objective of the group is not only to spread awareness but also to provide patients with a forum to have their problems,queries and insecurities discussed and remedied by patients who have been through and survived the illness. Sunita Kalyani was the chief guest for the function during which preliminary information on diet and prosthetics was given out and a breast cancer survivor gave an inspirational account of her battle. It aims to create a peer support network and give direction to patients with the backing of medical and paramedical professionals. Meanwhile,Inamdar Multispeciality Hospital in Fatimanagar,a 250-bed hospital,has started a breast care clinic in association with Prashanti institute,Dr Parvez Inamdar,managing director of the hospital informed.