Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Marengo CIMS Hospital: Championing Awareness & Early Detection with the goal of ‘No one should face breast cancer alone’

• At Marengo CIMS Hospital the comprehensive approach to breast cancer care ensures that every patient receives personalized support, from early detection to treatment and beyond
• Oncologists are constantly encouraging regular screenings, and emphasizing the importance of early detection

Ahmedabad: As Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes centre stage in October 2024, Marengo CIMS Hospital has significantly amplified its efforts to promote awareness, early detection, and comprehensive treatment options for breast cancer. With a mission to save lives through timely intervention, the focus of the team of doctors this month was on creating impactful change in how breast cancer is understood and addressed, particularly through our Comprehensive Breast Cancer Program. With the theme “No-One Should Face Breast Cancer Alone,” the hospital aims to foster community support, provide educational resources, and facilitate discussions on how early detection can save lives. The Breast Cancer Program is led by Dr Anagha Zope, Breast Cancer Surgeon in Marengo CIMS Hospital, Ahmedabad.

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women globally, but with advancements in early screening and treatment, the survival rate has significantly improved. Breast cancer develops when normal breast cells begin to grow out of control. Breast cancers usually start in the lobules or ducts of the breast. Groups of breast cancer cells are called malignant, or cancerous tumors. In some cases, cancer cells stay confined to the breast, sometimes called ‘localized to the breast’. Over time, some cancer cells invade the lymphatic system and travel to other parts of the body which is called metastasis. Marengo Asia Hospitals is at the forefront of advocating for regular breast self-examinations and mammography screenings for women, especially those over 40, and for individuals at higher risk due to family history.

Early detection remains a critical factor in improving breast cancer survival rates. The state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic facilities at Marengo CIMS Hospital, including advanced mammography, ultrasound imaging, MRI Breast, image guided needle biopsy ensure timely and accurate diagnosis, which is pivotal for optimal treatment outcomes. The Personalised Breast Cancer Programme integrates advanced technology and a multidisciplinary approach to deliver world-class care. Our dedicated breast cancer management team, comprised of medical, surgical, and radiation oncology experts, radiologist, pathologist, reconstruction surgeon, lymphedema therapist, clinical psychologist, etc. works collaboratively to offer personalized treatment plans tailored to the unique needs of each patient. This team, with a combined experience of over 75 years, ensures that every patient receives the highest standard of care, from diagnosis to treatment to rehabilitation.

Throughout the month of October, Marengo CIMS Hospital organized special breast cancer awareness initiatives through Health Talks and Corporate Programs, collaborating with companies and communities to emphasize early screening and preventive care while engaging the community through outreach programs and educating nurses and nursing students about importance of early detection. Our digital efforts included awareness videos featuring our doctors, alongside Facebook Live Sessions & TV Talk Shows discussing importance of breast self-exam, breast cancer myths, symptoms, and treatments and hosted CME Sessions for doctors across Gujarat on advancements in breast cancer treatment and early detection.

Dr Anagha Zope, Breast Cancer Surgeon, stresses the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer, stating, “Breast cancer, when detected in its early stages, is highly treatable, offering patients a significantly better prognosis. Our Comprehensive Breast Cancer Programme is designed to provide patients with the best possible chance at recovery.

We focus on a holistic approach that encompasses every aspect of care, from prevention and early diagnosis to advanced treatment options and long-term recovery support. At Marengo CIMS Hospital, our commitment to multidisciplinary comprehensive care extends beyond curing breast cancer to pioneering innovative treatments. As one of the nation’s premier centres for robotic-assisted surgery, we leverage advanced technology and expert specialization to deliver exceptional patient outcomes.

Dr Bhavesh Parekh, Medical Oncologist, says, “Comprehensive care, early detection, and awareness are pillars of breast cancer treatment. With advancements in medical oncology, we personalize treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes. It is crucial to empower women with knowledge and encourage regular screenings, as early intervention significantly increases survival rates.”

Dr Devang Bhavsar, Radiation Oncologist, says “Early detection is our strongest weapon in the fight against breast cancer. With advancements in radiation therapy, we are now able to offer more precise and effective treatments, significantly improving outcomes. It is vital that we continue to raise awareness and ensure that every woman, especially in resource-constrained settings, has access to timely diagnosis and care. Together, we can reduce the burden of this disease and save countless lives.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer worldwide, with approximately 2.3 million new cases annually, accounting for one in eight cancer cases across both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women. Despite advancements, 70% of breast cancer-related deaths occur in resource-constrained settings, where barriers in healthcare systems and low levels of awareness lead to late-stage diagnoses and poor outcomes. The World Health Organization’s Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI), launched in 2021, aims to reduce mortality by 2.5% annually by 2040, potentially saving 2.5 million lives. Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October, serves as a vital platform for Marengo CIMS Hospital to engage the community in education and screening programs, ultimately promoting timely intervention and better outcomes for those affected by this disease.