• “Sakhi”, a breast cancer support group, is aimed at providing constant inspiration to cancer patients helping them lead a normal life.
• The hospital intends to create a larger pool of easily accessible shero’s (cancer survivors), who have the resilience and temperament to handhold newly detected breast cancer patients

To mark breast cancer awareness month, BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital launched its own Breast Cancer Support Group, “Sakhi”, a group that will provide extensive engagement with other breast cancer survivors and help each member access a larger pool of Shero’s (Cancer Survivors), who have the resilience and temperament to hand-hold others in this special unchartered journey. For the Shero’s, this platform will provide consistent motivation to relive life to the fullest and be a force-for-good.

The support group was launched during an informative press conference held on 1^st October at the hospitals Kengeri Unit and was attended by breast cancer survivors, patients currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, their families, and caretakers alongside management and experts from BGS Gleneagles Global Hospitals including Mr. Biju Nair- Cluster COO, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Bengaluru; Dr. Monika Pansari-HOD & Sr Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Ms. Sumalatha- Psychologist; Dr Crystal Dsouza, Assistant Prof, Department of Physiology, BGS GIMS; and Dr Madhavilatha, Genetic counselor, Medgenome

Speaking on the launch, rMr. Biju Nai- Cluster COO, Gleneagles Global Hospitals, Bengaluru commented, “ Breast cancer diagnosis can be lifechanging for any individual and through this new collaborative effort of ours, we hope to provide a safe platform for those who have bravely fought this disease and also newly diagnosed patients who can avail the unique programs offered by this group to help them refresh their outlook on life and give them the boost they need to continue living life to the fullest. We believe that a sense of balance in mind, body and soul is key to curing cancer. Our special programs cater to all aspects of healing and provide the necessary support for our patients. “

Dr. Monika Pansari-HOD & Sr Consultant-Surgical Oncology who is also the lead on the Sakhi initiative highlighted the challenges concerning breast cancer in India, and commented,” The incidence of breast cancer is rising and is the commonest cancer in women. Due to the lack of awareness of this disease and absence of a breast cancer screening program in our country, most breast cancers are diagnosed at a relatively advanced stage. Also, the quality of care available for treatment of breast cancer patients varies widely dependent on the place where the patient is being treated. While there are few centers of excellence providing multimodality protocol-based treatment at par with the best anywhere in the world, most breast cancer patients from smaller cities undergo inadequate and inappropriate treatment due to lack of high-quality infrastructure and sometimes skills. Additional challenge causing inadequate treatment is lack of financial resources.”

There has been recent emphasis on health education, awareness events leading to increased understanding about the disease amongst masses which has contributed to early diagnosis of breast cancers. The increased attention on public facilities for cancer treatment is expected to bring about the much-needed improvement in breast cancer care in India.

Stressing on the importance of early screening, Dr. Monika added, “Early detection of breast cancer is the key to save not only lives but also the breasts. The aim of our campaign is to create awareness about early detection of breast cancers. Regular breast self-examination and annual mammograms in all the women above 40 years of age should be recommended. Women should be taught about preventive measures as well, like maintaining healthy body weight, regular exercises, lactation for minimum duration for one year, avoiding alcohol and smoking etc.”

Sharing her experience with breast cancer diagnosis, Ms. Geetha Vishwanathan, one of the cancer warriors present during the event added “It was shocking news for me when I got diagnosed with breast cancer. We did not have any support group at that time to come and give a morale boost. But the care from doctors and the daycare team helped me a lot. Now I feel that I will be of some help to the newly diagnosed fighters. My only advice for patients is to be positive and not have any fear when you are in very good hands for treatment! Just follow what the doctors say.”

“As a patient you want to hear the ones who have gone through the same experience. Despite the excellent team of doctors, you still want to hear it from the horse’s mouth. Patients get comfort when they see the success stories around them. Talking to the fellow patient gives you strength and confidence to fight like ” If she can, I definitely can too.” added Astha Nigam, another cancer warrior present at the event when asked about importance of having such support groups.

With newer developments happening every day in breast conserving surgeries, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, reconstructive surgeries and with diagnosis at an early stage – there is no need to even lose breast and patients are expected to have a normal life span.