Breast cancer awareness: A dedicated breast centre in Coimbatore

Every year in October, conversations on breast cancer awareness turn the spotlight repeatedly on two key points —early detection and prevention. Is it enough? “No, we have to keep the conversation going on early detection of breast cancer,” says Dr Praveen Raj, managing director of Gem Hospital, after launching the Gem Breast Centre.

The centre, an advanced facility, aims to reach out to women to come forward for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of not just breast cancer but any breast-related issues. It functions under Gem Cancer Centre of the hospital. “We launched the cancer care centre just three months ago. The incidence of breast cancer cases are so high that we felt a dedicated department would encourage more women to come forward and evaluate themselves with mammogram,” explains Praveen adding that breast cancer awareness is crucial for  women, especially those without symptoms, because many early-stage cancers have no symptoms and detection relies entirely on screening and self-awareness. “As gynaecologists are not trained to assess such issues, in most cases women are not sure where to go to get themselves checked on breast health. The breast department diagnoses and addresses all breast-related concerns under one roof. In less than a month, we carried out several screenings and mammograms to spread the word on awareness.”

Dr Praveen Raj
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Dr Praveen has got Dr Prema, radiologist and breast consultant, on board to take the conversation forward with women. “Recent studies say the incidence among urban women is one in every 22 while in rural areas one in every 16 women. While one cannot pick any particular factor leading to breast cancer, the risk is more as one ages,” she says drawing attention to the fact that detecting early matters.

“Women are aware, but hesitant to go for a screening if they don’t see any symptoms. There is still stigma and fear attached to cancer diagnosis. The centre aims to break this. It is curable when detected early in stage zero or stage one. However, 60 percent of the patients seek help when it has already advanced to stage three or four. Treatment is simpler when detected early and cure rate is also better.”

A healthy lifestyle matters
| Photo Credit:
DEEPAK KR

One of the main objectives, Dr Praveen says, is to reach out to women who think they are normal and have no symptoms. “Women are hesitant to go to hospitals for any kind of check-ups because of the time involved and fearing that their regular work would be affected. This kind of an accessible space makes it easy for them.”

Any woman with breast complaints irrespective of the age can approach them for consultation, says Dr Prema . “Based on the symptoms and age, an ultrasound or mammogram will be recommended. However, for women above 40, an annual mammogram is necessary. Regular screenings and a healthy lifestyle counts. A series of tests could detect pre-cancer stage. This greatly helps in preventing the risk from maturing to cancer stage.”

While modifiable factors like sedentary lifestyle, obesity, alcohol and smoking increases risk besides late pregnancies, childbirth and lack of breastfeeding, several other factors like family history also matter. “In some cases, even those without any symptoms can get it. From the age of 20, a self examination once a  month helps. They can approach us for consultation if they notice anything unusual.” The Gem Cancer Centre is offering free mammogram check up for deserving women, with the registration already crossing 400. Says Dr Praveen, “We have tied up with the police department to screen women cops above 40. Our aim is to create more awareness so that we get more patients for check-ups than for treatment.”

To know more, call breast cancer helpline number 7200694561