Breast Cancer and Support Group Activity PR

Noida, 31st October 2022: October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to commemorate the same, Fortis Hospital Noida organized a unique support group activity to honor breast cancer survivors and spread awareness about recovery from the disease along with its prevention and early diagnosis. The objective of the support group meet was to motivate breast cancer patients and get inspiration from breast cancer survivors. The session witnessed multiple breast cancer survivors share their journey against battling cancer. The recovery stories worked as an inspiration for the patients currently suffering from breast cancer.  The event witnessed participation from more than 70 people including  patients and doctors - Dr Shubham Garg, Dr Ishu Gupta, Dr Rajat Bajaj, Dr Tripti Saxena , Dr Jalaj Baxi from Fortis Noida were the organizers of  the support group.

Every cancer patient is a story in itself and every cancer survivor teaches us something. One such patient who attended the support group and inspired all was Mrs Meenakshi Mittal, a lady in her mid-forties. Dr Shubham Garg, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital Noida said “When I first examined Meenakshi, I wondered how to tell her the extent breast cancer had spread. However, she was supported by her family and took the news in her stride. Her case was discussed in the tumor board and it was decided that she should get chemotherapy first as we wanted to address the disease systematically. She received 16 cycles of chemotherapy. Based on chemotherapy response, we were able to offer her radical surgery with plastic reconstruction to maintain shape of the breast. The Oncoplastic team was involved, who harvested tissue from the back and gave shape to the breast post-surgery. She received post-operative radiotherapy and now after completion of all her therapy, she is able to lead a normal life. She took almost one year to complete her treatment, but it was worth it as she leads a healthy life now free of cancer.”

Dr Ishu Gupta, Consultant, Medical Oncology elaborated further, “When a patient is diagnosed with cancer, it takes a huge toll on their mental health alongwith physical health, thus putting them under immense pressure along with their loved ones. The battle against cancer is a challenging one because it not only affects the body but also the mind in the form of sadness, depression, anxiety etc. Thus, it is important for the patient to be taken care of, both physically and emotionally. The breast cancer survivors who have gathered here today are an inspiration for all of us. This support group is a small but significant step in ensuring support to all the patients suffering from cancer.”  

Dr. Jalaj Baxi, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Noida said, “Apart from being hereditary, the sedentary lifestyle choices have contributed to breast cancer becoming one of the most common cancers diagnosed in women and the second leading cause of death among women. The lack of awareness about the advanced treatment options available is the main cause of the worsening of the condition. Thus, creating awareness among the masses can lead to early detection of the condition and curing it. Delay in any form of treatment can sometimes lead to upstaging the disease. Earlier it was only women who were diagnosed with cancers of the breast but recently we have seen an increasing incidence of men being diagnosed with breast cancer”