Breast cancer is the commonest cancer affecting women in India. Due to lack of awareness and absence of an organized population-based breast cancer screening program, the vast majority present in advanced stages with poor survival. In many parts of the country, it is still a “taboo” – a ‘closet’ issue that is not talked about. With a vision to make breast cancer an openly discussed issue, and to empower women about the importance of early detection of breast cancer, Dr. Ushalakshmi and Dr.Raghuram founded Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation, a ‘not for profit Charity in 2007 (www.ubf.org.in).
UBF commenced the annual PINK RIBBON WALK in 2008 during the month of October – International Breast Cancer Awareness month. The slogan ‘DOES YOUR HEARTBEAT FOR EARLY DETECTION OF BREAST CANCER?’ resonated with ‘Hyderabadis’ who extended unprecedented support to the 12 annual editions of the 2K PINK RIBBON WALK held thus far. Several thousand people from all walks of life participate in this Walk, which has become a benchmark annual event in Hyderabad’s calendar. Encouraged by the success in Hyderabad, the Foundation conducted Pink Ribbon Walks in Warangal, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam, thus spreading the message of “early detection” far and wide.
Since 2009, Usha Lakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation has been illuminating HYDERABAD'S historic & prominent buildings like Charminar, iconic Buddha statue, the Legislative Assembly, Ravindra Bharati, United States Consulate Building, and KIMS Hospitals in PINK on one night consistently year after year for a decade in support of breast cancer awareness.
Screening mammography is not a viable option for population-based screening in India and Underprivileged women in rural India are innately shy of doctors and reluctant to discuss anything as intimate as breast care with them. However, Healthcare workers are very acceptable, as they interact with them on a daily basis. Over 200,000 underprivileged women between the ages of 35 and 65, spread across 4,000 villages in the region have been screened for early signs of breast cancer by 3,750 trained healthcare workers,
Also Read: Breast Health Issues - Myths And Facts
The Foundation conceived, designed & developed the World’s first mobile app on breast health( “ABC’s OF BREAST HEALTH”) with an aim to counsel, guide & educate people across the nation about various aspects of Breast health so that they are well informed & better prepared in twelve commonly spoken Indian languages.
As an adjunct to the landmark mobile app launched in 2017, in an initiative for the first time in the world, life-size augmented reality technology was integrated into the mobile app to spread the message of early detection of breast cancer to a large section of people. This is a futuristic technology and has the potential for the ‘celebrity and doctor’ to enter into people’s homes and create awareness, without actually physically being present.
There is a fine line between advocacy and creating a scare.
There are only three ways to fight breast cancer.
- To eat right, exercise right, and lead a healthy balanced life.
- Women of all ages to be ‘breast aware” and report to a doctor without delay should they notice any new breast health issues.
- Women, 40 and over must have a Screening Mammogram every year. This three-pronged strategy would ensure Early Detection and translate to significantly improved long-term survival.
In 2002 came a defining moment when, Dr. Ushalakshmi, a renowned Obstetrician & Gynecologist from Hyderabad, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The unexpected diagnosis of his mother coupled with a huge disparity in breast cancer care across India became the turning point in Dr. Raghuram’s life
Inputs By :
Dr. P. Raghu Ram OBE, Founder, CEO & Director KIMS-USHALAKSHMI Centre for Breast Diseases, Hyderabad, India
www.ubf.org.in
www.breastcancerindia.org
