In order to spread awareness about breast cancer and salute the spirit of breast cancer survivors, the medical staff at Aster CMI Hospital donned pink masks, formed a pink-ribbon human chain, and educated the patients on early detection of breast cancer at the hospital by holding pink placards. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many patients started avoiding regular physical check-ups, including essential health screenings, like mammograms. This has put a huge burden on the medical and preventive care progress of breast cancer patients. 

As per a recent WHO report, there has been a sharp rise in the incidences of cancer in the country due to the increase in sedentary lifestyles. The report further highlights that one in 10 Indians will develop cancer in their lifetime. With the cases of breast cancer rising each year, the age group of cancer patients also seems to be getting younger, with many women now being diagnosed in their 30s. This has made preventive measures like regular mammograms all the more essential. Therefore, by undertaking this initiative, the medical staff at Aster CMI Hospital has aimed at encouraging more women to get screened for cancer as early detection can increase survival chances and can aid in better managing the disease.

Speaking on the initiative undertaken by the hospital, Dr. Vijay Agarwal, Lead & Sr. Consultant – Medical Oncology & Haematology, Aster CMI Hospital, said: “Breast Cancer is currently very prevalent among the women of the age group 40-55. Due to the lifestyle changes, this disease has now started creeping up among younger women also. Even though many of us are aware of this disease, however, we still fail to undertake the necessary precautions and measures. A simple measure such as Breast Self-Examination can play a vital role in the early detection of the disease and can aid the doctors in successfully diagnosing it. Therefore, the sole motive of our hospital behind undertaking this initiative is to spread awareness about breast cancer. Even while managing between work and life, women should take out some time to take care of themselves and should be proactive to visit a doctor if they spot any unusual signs and symptoms of breast cancer like a lump in the breast and nipple retraction. This can help in reducing the incidences of breast cancer in the country and provide early diagnosis of the disease to the women.” 

Sharing his views, Dr. G Girish, Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Aster CMI Hospital, said: “Currently there are a lot of myths surrounding breast cancer. Due to which many women often feel anxious while undergoing breast cancer screening tests and many more choose to avoid these tests due to the fear of cancer diagnosis. One must understand the early detection can save lives. Hence, with this initiative, we not only want to break the several myths surrounding breast cancer but also want to make women feel more confident while undergoing these tests and help them lead a happy life.”