SHILLONG: Breast cancer survivors from across the State came together to share their experiences and break stereotypes about the disease during a meet here on Saturday.
Women, especially those residing in the metro cities, are more vulnerable to this form of cancer which is caused due to smoking, drinking and a certain type of lifestyle.
As many as 250 cases of breast cancer including five in men have been reported in Meghalaya since 2005. This was informed by Dr Judita Syiem who addressed the gathering during the Breast Cancer Survivors’ Meet. She added that men too suffer from breast cancer.
It may be mentioned that breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer among women in Meghalaya.
Dr Timothy Lyngdoh from Shillong Civil Hospital said that people should not fear breast cancer since it is curable even as he said that surgery and removal of the cancer should not scare people.
“People should complete the entire cycle of treatment,” he said, adding that complete treatment of breast cancer can be done in Shillong Civil Hospital.
A cancer survivor said that the patient should have courage to undergo the treatment which is quite a challenge initially.
Another survivor said that support from family is crucial for a person suffering from breast cancer.
A woman, who was speaking on behalf of her mother who is a cancer survivor, said that breast cancer is not fatal and can be cured with proper medical attention.
“I had cancer and now I am fine. I survived because of the doctors from the Civil Hospital,” another breast cancer survivor said.
The meet was organized to observe the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease.
