A kiosk on everything about breast cancer

Many women do not pick up early signs of breast cancer, which could be a lump in the breast. Inhibitions come in the way of consulting a doctor, or even discussing with other women members of the family.

Only unbearable pain in the advanced stages of the disease forces them to go to the doctor. But, by then, it is too late. The cancer has spread and turned fatal – a typical scenario across the country. This was highlighted here on Tuesday at the commissioning of an information kiosk on breast cancer, put up at Brookefields Mall by Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research. The Hindu is the media partner of this sensitisation programme.

“Early detection is important. People must be made aware of this,” Divisional Railway Manager, Salem Division, Sujatha Jeyaraj said after commissioning the kiosk.

“My appeal to women – young, middle-aged and beyond – is that they should be aware of the risks. Remember that battling breast cancer is in our hands,” she said.

Touching upon the inhibition factor, she said women must have the courage to consult a doctor early and also discuss the problem with family members. This was the most essential way to early and effective treatment. Efforts such as the kiosk were needed to increase the level of awareness, she said.

Director of the cancer institute P. Guhan said the country already had 1.5 lakh breast cancer cases and this was expected to reach 2.5 lakh in 2015.

High incidence

Pointing out the high incidence in cities, Dr. Guhan wondered why literate women in urban areas came to cancer centres in advanced stages of the disease.

“We decided to put up the kiosk in a mall because there will always be heavy flow of people. The touch screen kiosk is user-friendly,” he said.

It contained a list of various types of cancer. A separate page was devoted to breast cancer, explaining the early signs, diagnosis and treatment. It also has a section containing success stories of breast cancer survivors.

“This is meant to remove the fear of the disease and instil confidence in women on the treatment,” Dr. Guhan said. “Now, the kiosk provides detailed information only about breast cancer. Gradually, we will add all other types of cancer so that people get information on all types,” he said.

Managing Trustee of SNS Sons Charitable Trust C. Soundararaj, Joint Managing Trustee Vijaya Kumhar, Chief Operating Officer of Brookfields Estates Private Limited Ashwin Balasubramaniam were present at the commissioning function.