Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) has launched a comprehensive health initiative – Apollo Breast Cancer Diaries (ABCD), a support group for breast cancer. The initiative focuses on providing patients with strong psychological support by connecting them with cancer survivors who have travelled similar paths to victory. APCC takes pride in being at the forefront towards the fight against cancer. With its new initiative, APCC continues to make a difference in its mission to provide breast cancer patients with best-in-class support and treatment.
The initiative was inaugurated and flagged off by Ms P Geetha Jeevan, Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare and Women’s Empowerment of Tamil Nadu in the presence of Ms Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group; Dr Sapna Nangia, Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, Dr Manjula Rao, Consultant-Breast Onco-plastic Surgeon; and Dr Sujit Kumar Mullapaly, Consultant – Medical Oncologist, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, Chennai; along with Ms Claire Young, Breast Cancer Champion from the UK.
For a woman, it is extremely upsetting to receive the news that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Further, the treatment process may lead to fatigue and other side effects such as insomnia, anemia, nausea, pain and change in mood. At times, the patient may also have to deal with the social stigma of being diagnosed with the condition.
The constant worry about symptoms, treatment, and mortality can be addressed by licensed psychologists and other mental health professionals with experience in breast cancer treatment. The professionals help women cope with the physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes that come with cancer, as well as the rigorous medical treatments.
Commenting on the initiative, Ms P Geetha Jeevan, Hon’ble Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment, Government of Tamil Nadu, said, “I am grateful to be a part of this unique and noble initiative, ‘Apollo Breast Cancer Diaries’, by Apollo Proton Cancer Centre is focused on supporting the mental health of breast cancer patients struggling to come to terms with the complications and stigmas associated with it. This initiative will help patients change their perception and strategy to cope with the fight against breast cancer. While fighting cancer, balancing emotions and distress comes at the cost of sacrificing physical & mental health. Apollo’s new initiative will give patients the hope and care they deserve to priorities their health and well-being over everything in their lives.”
Ms Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, said, “Apollo Cancer Centres have always been at the forefront of battling cancer and winning over it. Our initiative, “Apollo Breast Cancer Diaries”, will offer a safe place for people fighting against breast cancer wherein they can share their experiences and emotions with others who are also fighting a similar battle. People in challenging situations benefit from having a good social support system, and Apollo Breast Cancer Diaries will act as a support system for women fighting against breast cancer. The launch of the support group will further strengthen the comprehensive cancer-care that we aim to provide at APCC.”
Dr Manjula Rao, Consultant Breast Cancer Specialist & Oncoplastic Surgeon, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said, “The support groups provide patients with reinforcements that go above and beyond the regular rigmarole of providing medical treatment. At APCC, we pride ourselves on providing patients with a wholesome 360-degree of cancer care and hope to reinforce this principle with the launch of the Apollo Breast Cancer Diaries (ABCD) initiative. We aim to provide our patients with much-needed emotional, physical, and psychosocial support, not only while going through treatment but also after it.”
Apollo Proton Cancer Centre has always been encouraging women to get screened, gain knowledge on cancer and its symptoms, and to watch out for early detection. APCC recently launched a “Screen to Win” campaign in Tamil Nadu to emphasize the importance of regular examination and screening to keep cancer at bay and receive timely treatment for a better outcome.
