Breast Cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women in India. According to reports, 60% of breast cancer cases are detected at an advanced stage and in India 1 out of 2 women diagnosed with Breast Cancer die due to the disease. Majority of the mortality burden is due to the unawareness and ignorance about the signs and symptoms and above all the importance of early detection and timely treatment. Taking the same into consideration Paras Healthcare has associated with a noble initiative of GE Healthcare and IndiGo Airlines, #BEPROACTIVE, to create awareness about Breast Cancer and give women the opportunity to visit specialists for detection and counseling.
The campaign is being showcased by IndiGo Airlines who is sensitizing its travelers about Breast Cancer awareness. The campaign is also enabling screening campaign from 20 October to 31 December 2017 at prominent locations all across the country. Paras HMRI Hospital Patna and Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon has associated with the campaign to provide special screenings packages, free consultation, counseling and camp assistants. The cancer specialists of both units shall also be participating in specialized awareness camps to screen the patients at the airports.
According to Dr. Sumantra Sircar, Sr Consultant Oncosurgery & Breast Cancer Specialist, Paras HMRI Hospital, Patna, “Breast Cancer represents 25% – 32% of all cancers amongst women living in the cities in India. Moreover more than 1, 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. More and more young women in their 30’s and 40’s are being diagnosed with breast cancer each day. It should also be noted that the mortality burden of the disease is also rising, and every 10 minutes one woman dies in India due to breast cancer.”
Taking the context further Dr. Piyush Agrawal, Consultant Head & Neck Oncosurgery, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon, shares, “It is important that women are aware of the signs and symptoms of Breast Cancer. Early stage cancer can be cured in most women. It is also important for us to know that a family history alone is not a risk factor for breast cancer as 85% of patients detected with the same have no family history. Hence the best recommendation is to opt for self-breast examination any report any changes to a cancer specialist or gynecologist immediately. Changes in the shape of the breast, redness, pain, swelling, nipple discharge, etc should not be ignored.”
Dr. Shamama Nasreen, Paras HMRI Hospital Patna states, “Mammography is the best and the simplest way to detect Breast Cancer. A dense breast can increase the chances of Breast Cancer. This breast density cannot be determined by palpation or by the appearance of the breasts on exam – it can only be determined by medical diagnostic screening, women should be encouraged to do breast self-examination. It is best recommended that women should be screened who are above 40 years and those who have a history of any cancer and all postmenopausal women. The scans help you be clear about your risk and present status.”
You can contact Paras HMRI Hospital Patna and Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon on the following numbers to schedule your Free Consultation with a Specialist:
Gurgaon – +91 9540210956
Patna – +91 8877807677