NONGPOH: In an effort to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer amongst the people of Ri Bhoi District, the State Cancer Society of Meghalaya, on Friday, along with the NSS of Ri Bhoi College jointly organised a rally from NSCA Mini Stadium, Pahamsyiem via Nongpoh Town to Ri Bhoi College.
The rally gains significance as most of the women of the district, especially in rural areas, are reluctant to acknowledge this kind of disease to their family members. This campaign has therefore aided in making the people aware that this disease can be cured if reported to a trained physician or doctor at an early stage.
Following the rally, an awareness programme with the theme ‘Prevent, Detect and Cure Breast Cancer’ at Ri Bhoi College was conducted where Judita Syiemlieh, Member Secretary of State Cancer Society of Meghalaya, lectures the gathering on the importance of breast cancer awareness, which occurs 99 percent among women and only 1 percent among men, and its preventive measures.
Syiemlieh also stated that breast cancer mostly affects the lower part of the neck and parts of the armpit. She however lamented that ‘due to our superstitious beliefs, people believe that praying and being strong can help to cure cancer. Most cases of breast cancer in the state goes unreported and the infected ones die without any treatment’, she said.
However, Syiemlieh informed that cancer is a curable disease if reported at an early stage.
She elaborated on the need to detect breast cancer at an early stage by doing the Self Breast Examination once a month or by visiting a trained physician or doctor and getting oneself tested by Clinical Breast Examination.
