‘October’, Breast Cancer Awareness Month involves a series of initiatives and awareness programs across the country. In this context, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH) plays a significant role in educating the public on the same and has also taken initiatives to carry the message across the rural zones through their Breast Cancer Center.
KMCH in association with Rotary Clubs of Coimbatore, inaugurated the breast awareness program, ‘Freedom from Fear’, along with the launch of the ‘My Breast’ mobile application to mark 10 years of the successful journey of KMCH Breast Centre.
The Lighting of the Lamp was presided over by Thavamani D Palaniswami, Joint Managing Director, KMCH and Meera S Nair accompanied by other Anns Rotarians.
Following this, Dr Arun N Palaniswami, Executive Director, KMCH, launched the awareness program, ‘Freedom from Fear’ and addressed the gathered audience on the significance of this awareness. Quoting real-life examples from his practice periods he said, “It is not the lack of awareness or education but the mere term ‘fear for cancer’ is what makes women sick and delay their screening process, resulting in high-risk stage”.
With much delight, he mentioned that the Mammogram bus programme of KMCH has benefitted many civics. This initiative conducted around 1000 mammograms, out of which 25 got through the ultrasound and four got through the surgery. Hence the screening numbers can accelerate to 3000-4000 through this awareness.
Eventually, Dr Thavamani D Palaniswami and the special invitees of the Rotary club launched the ‘My Breast App’. Following this, Dr Thavamani requested every gathered woman to shed their fears and have a positive notion towards the treatment. The societal taboo on breast cancer and its treatment methods has rumoured fear among the public from all walks of life.
Sarcastically striking at the social fear of losing hair among women, Dr Thavamani prompted them to clear the pessimistic thought. She said, “If it is about the hair you bother, then your life is at stake. Wake up to the realization that your hair will eventually have healthy growth with a healthy body. Cancer screening or treatment is never as painful as it appears. The cure is just a step ahead, all you ought to do is to seek it without fear”.
Dr Mathew Cherian, Chief of Imaging Services & Interventional Radiologist, KMCH, briefed on the need and purpose of the mobile application. He emphasized the screening process for breast cancer being uncomplicated and having nothing to fear.
He briefed the audience on the installation of the mobile application and its features. The application guides the user to have self-examination, symptoms, and screening options and allows them to book an appointment with the consultant.
Talking further, Dr Rupa, Chief Consultant, KMCH Breast Center, clarified the social notion towards breast cancer. Elaborating on the need for self-examination, she mentioned that most of the mentioned symptoms do not end up having cancer. Any physical lump or bloody discharge does not commonly result in cancer infection. Hence apprehension by these symptoms is unnecessary and undergoing a screening process will help identify cancer at the earliest if any.
Guest Rtn S Rajmohan Nair, District Governor, RI Dist 3201, Rtn CR Vijay, President, Rotary Texcity, Rtn Mylsamy, District Director, Zone 5, Rtn RS Maruti, Anns Chairperson and other rotary club members were part of the event.
Reported by Anushka Juliet
