“Early diagnose is the way to a better cure,” said Dr (Col) C.S. Pant, consultant radiologist, at an event organised by the Forum for Breast Cancer Protection here on Sunday.
The women who survived the disease said that those well-informed win the battle of life.
Anjali (name changed), a survivor, said “Informed women refers to those who detect the disease at an early stage. They know when to go for treatment and where to get themselves treated.”
A 3-D animation film was screened on the prevention of the disease and how women can self examine themselves to detect breast cancer.
Experts said that breast cancer is the most curable form of cancer and early detection is the key.
Anuradha Goel, former FICCI president and a survivor herself, said, “Live a normal life, but detect it early before it gets too late.”
Senior journalist and political commentator H.K. Dua said that the country does not have sufficient cancer specialist hospitals, doctors and affordable medicines.
The incidence of breast cancer in India and the mortality rate is worrisome.
Over 90,000 Indian women die of breast cancer every year.
According to statistics, 1 in 25 Indian women develop the disease in lifetime.
A WHO study has predicted that by 2020, 1 in 8 urban Indian women will develop breast cancer.
Indian women seek treatment very late — around 65 per cent are already in stage 3 or 4 when diagnosed.
Dr G.K. Rath, professor and chief, radiation oncology, AIIMS, said, “About 20 per cent of cases come early and 80 per cent survive while 80 per cent cases are detected late and only 20 per cent of them survive.”
The survivors regretted not doing self-examination, as late detection caused them more pain.