Experts stress on awareness at breast cancer conference

NEW DELHI: Experts underscored the need for early diagnosis of breast cancer for effective treatment of the disease with increasing number of cases among women.

The stigma associated with the breast cancer often delays diagnosis and treatment, thereby jeopardising survival chances of the patients.

The patients who end up with mastectomies, the surgical removal of one or both breasts, have their lives shattered, the experts said.

"This can be avoided if treatment is started in early stages when breast

conservation is offered as the mainstay of treatment these days," said professor Chintamani, the founder president of ASOMA (Asian Society of Mastology)

To promote awareness about breast cancer, a three-day international conference was inaugurated on Saturday, organised by the Department of Surgical Disciplines, AIIMS, National Cancer Institute-India and Safdurjung Hospital.

"Breast cancer is a rising epidemic in India. One in every eight women develops breast cancer at some point in their lives. There is no education rendered on the matter of diet and exercise. I urge the medical society to formulate awareness campaign regarding diet and I will be happy to provide my utmost support," said Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi addressing the conference. She also shared the mental trauma that her family underwent when her mother suffered from breast cancer.

Studies reveal that at least 89 out 100 breast carcinoma patients survive till five years but the picture is gloomier in India, Prof Chintamani said.