Blogs

October, designated as Pink Month, serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about breast cancer, a disease that disproportionately affects women worldwide. In India, where breast cancer is the leading cancer site among women, promoting awareness and early detection is crucial to reducing its devastating impact.

According to the Global Cancer Observatory data, almost 192,020 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in India in 20221, and this number is steadily rising. A particularly concerning aspect is the high number of women who remain undiagnosed or those diagnosed at a late stage when treatment options are limited and outcomes are less favourable. This can be attributed to several factors, including lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare, and cultural barriers that prevent women from seeking early screening and care.

The 'Pink Month' initiative provides a valuable opportunity to increase awareness about breast cancer, empower women with information related to the disease, and challenge the taboos and stigmas associated with it.

By promoting early detection and encouraging women to seek medical attention at the first signs of abnormality, we can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the burden of breast cancer in India.

Benefits of Breast Cancer Awareness in India

• Early Detection: Increased awareness can encourage women to do breast self-examination, undergo clinical breast examinations & regular mammograms with doctor’s advice to improve treatment outcomes and enhance survival. Breast cancer screening camps are routinely conducted across the country to this effect. Women must be encouraged and empowered to get regular mammograms to detect breast cancer early.
• Reduced Stigma: Breast cancer myths abound, especially in rural India. Promoting open discussions about breast cancer can help dispel myths and stigma surrounding the disease, empowering women to seek help without fear.
• Improved Access to Care: Increased awareness can lead to greater demand for breast cancer services, prompting healthcare providers to expand access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment facilities. Although access to care is improving, most public sector services cannot cater to the many women needing screening.
• Enhanced Support Networks: Breast cancer awareness campaigns can help build a sense of community and support among survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
• Advocacy for Policy Changes: A strong awareness movement can advocate for policy changes to improve access to affordable and quality breast cancer care.

Ways to Promote Breast Cancer Awareness in India

• Public Health Campaigns: Government and non-governmental organizations can collaborate to launch public health campaigns using various media channels to disseminate information about breast cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection.
• Community Outreach: Organize community events, workshops, and screenings to reach women in rural and urban areas. Collaborating with community based health centers like Anganwadi workers can be a great way to spread awareness.
• Social Media Campaigns: Use social media platforms to share information, stories, and resources related to breast cancer awareness. Celebrities and influencers can contribute to raising awareness and encouraging their followers to prioritize their breast health.
• Workplace Initiatives: Encourage workplaces to conduct breast cancer awareness programs and offer on-site screenings.
• Educational Programs: Incorporate breast cancer education into school curricula and community programs.

Collaboration for Mutual Benefits

To effectively promote breast cancer awareness in India, collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with the active participation of the masses, is essential.

• Private Sector Involvement: Corporate social responsibility initiatives can support breast cancer awareness campaigns, fund research, and provide financial assistance to patients.
• Community Engagement: Community organizations can work with healthcare providers to organize awareness events, screenings, and support groups.
• Individual Responsibility: Individuals can take proactive steps to prioritize their breast health by undergoing regular screenings, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and spreading awareness within their communities.

By working together, we can create a more informed and supportive environment for women facing breast cancer in India. Let us join hands to break the stigma, promote early detection, and empower women to take control of their health.

Dr. Makarand Randive
MD DNB ECMO
Consultant Cancer Physician
MOC Cancer Care & Research Centre, Nagpur.