Early screening, timely treatment key to beating breast cancer, says Collector Nishant Krishna

District Collector Nishant Krishna inaugurated an awareness workshop on breast cancer organised by the Department of Surgical Oncology at the Madurai Government Medical College auditorium on Monday. He released an awareness brochure as part of the worldwide ‘Pink October’ observances.

The event opened with the presentation of gifts to women who have completely recovered from breast cancer. Sharing their experiences, the survivors encouraged attendees by stating that facing the disease without fear and securing timely medical treatment enables patients to overcome it entirely and lead healthy lives.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Nishant Krishna highlighted that breast cancer remains the leading cancer affecting women globally, with approximately 2.3 lakh women diagnosed in India annually.

He noted that lack of adequate awareness often leads patients to seek hospital care at advanced stages, which is the primary cause of fatalities.

Emphasising that not all breast changes are cancerous, he urged citizens to immediately seek medical advice for any new or suspicious symptoms, noting that early detection ensures a complete cure.

The Collector underscored the crucial role of teachers in spreading scientific awareness to families and society through students.

He added that adopting a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular exercise, consuming a balanced diet, maintaining proper body weight, and avoiding tobacco can significantly lower cancer risks.

Highlighting regional healthcare resources, officials noted that the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) provided comprehensive medical, surgical, and radiation oncology treatments under one roof.

“The facility offers breast-conserving surgeries, sentinel lymph node biopsies, advanced radiation therapy, and implantable chemotherapy ports to ease continuous treatment,” said Ramesh, Head of the Department of Oncology, GRH.

The GRH registers and treats approximately 1,000 new cancer patients annually. To further bolster care, an upcoming state-of-the-art integrated cancer center featuring nine floors and 500 beds is slated to be established at an estimated cost of ₹84 crore, fulfilling an announcement by the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu to ensure advanced treatment for underprivileged populations in southern districts, he added.

Dr. Ramesh particularly highlighted the hospital’s facilities for breast-conserving surgery, an approach in which the tumour is removed while preserving as much of the breast as possible, rather than removing the entire breast.

At the conclusion of the programme, medical experts conducted an interactive Question & Answer session, during which the participating teachers raised their doubts and received clarifications regarding breast cancer, screening, treatment and prevention.

A special breast cancer awareness handbook was also distributed so that they could further disseminate accurate information within their schools, families and communities.

The event was attended by GRH Dean Dr. Arul Sundaresh Kumar, among other doctors and officials.