Observing the breast cancer awareness month, Youngistaan Foundation’s, Women of Courage -Gender program has organised a virtual event called ‘Hope| Fight| Cure’ on 1st November 2020, to create awareness on the importance of early detection, and prevention in order to reduce the fatality rate of women due to Breast Cancer.
The event had a significant talk by Dr Pragnya Chigurupati, an oncologist surgeon from American Oncology Institute; a testimony by a Breast Cancer Survivor, and alive music performance Rinky Sharma, followed by questions and answers.
During the insightful session, Dr Pragnya has shed light on severe breast issues that occur in women, the importance of early detection can avoid the removal of the complete breast and possible strategies to prevent cancer. She talked about the survival rates across the globe are increasing but in India, it is decreasing due to lack of awareness on early detection. She also quoted that people at age 40 are at high risk of breast cancers.
Apart from getting a mammography test and clinical breast examination, one has to self-examination themselves from a much younger age. She said, “In order to prevent, one has to exercise for 3 hours a day, alter their lifestyle by quitting smoking, alcohol, eating healthy and managing stress to modify the risk factors”. Apart from this, She spoke on most common myths and misconceptions and cleared during the Q&A session.
Speaking on the severity of breast cancer and its symptoms, Mrs Neeti Sharma, a breast cancer survivor said, “I was 31, relatively at a younger age when I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Neither any of my family members had breast cancer nor did I have High-Risk factors. But still, I was diagnosed. I was so naive and helpless for the first 2 months but later, I was able to fight it due to early detection. Just believe in yourself and have strong faith that you would come out and fight as a winner.
Last of all, the founder of Youngistaan Foundation, Mr Arun Daniel Yellamaty said, “I insist people, especially those above 25 years of age to be vigilant about their health and consult a doctor in case of any confusion. More number of people should voice out concerns on issues like these that have been ignored for decades”. Later, he expressed special thanks to the guests and partners of the event.
Soon after, a prominent name in the music fraternity, Mrs Rinky Sharma had intact the attention of all the participants while she was singing a few songs from her own album. The participants joined from different backgrounds such as Government Sakhicentres, youngsters from various colleges, women from corporate organizations, homemakers and many others. The event was conducted along with Cyberabad Security Council and Rachakonda Security Council.
You can watch the live recording of the event on the Facebook page of Youngistaan Foundation.
