Apollo Cancer Centres proudly launched the “The Power to fight Breast Cancer is in Your Hands” campaign, which illustrates the importance of regular self-breast examination and screening on this International Women’s Day. Ms Radikaa Sarathkumar presided over the campaign by launching the digital platform for breast self-examination along with Ms Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group.
One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 4 minutes in India, and one woman dies of breast cancer every 13 minutes. Women in India are generally diagnosed at a later, more advanced stage with a poor prognosis. About 1 in 29 women are expected to develop breast cancer during their lifetime. By 2030, it is expected that breast cancer will cause the most deaths amongst women in India, then any other disease.
Speaking during the launch of the campaign Ms. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “Around 70% women in India are diagnosed at a late stage, and this needs to change. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. It is estimated that one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. While a healthy lifestyle is likely to reduce one’s risk, finding the cancer early is the best way to prevent deaths from the disease. Through this campaign, Apollo Cancer Centres aims to spread awareness on “Self-Examination of Breast”.
Dr Rathna Devi, Radiation Oncologist, Apollo Cancer Centre, gave an overview of the growing burden of Breast Cancer today, “The survival rate of breast cancer is low because the detection takes place late. The only way to reduce the number of deaths is by increasing awareness. Breast cancer is a treatable illness, and chances of survival are greater if it’s identified on time. The only way to do so is by being informed of how it can be identified, so that a timely diagnosis can be made.”
Dr Bhawna Sirohi, Breast Medical Oncologist at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre said “Knowledge is power! We need to change the dynamics of cancer care in India and cause a stage migration with diagnosis of early-stage cancers. We can do this if we proactively look after our health.
Apollo Cancer Centres collaborated with the Lion’s club, to screen women in the villages of Kanchipuram for breast cancer. The bus was flagged off by the chief guest.
Early detection can not only improve the outcome but can remarkably cut down the costs of treatment. The power of Knowledge, especially when it comes to one’s own health, can be lifesaving.
