TIRUCHY: Breast cancer in the district has seen an alarming rise with 600 patients identified in 2013. The number was 400 in 2012, and the trend for 2014 is under observation, according to a study conducted by Onco Club, an NGO. Members of the Onco Club visit all private hospitals to inquire about breast cancer patients.
Unfortunately, the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital here did not have any records of breast cancer patients, since it does not have any medical facility for the treatment of cancer.
While statistics show a disturbing trend, a group of doctors in the city have formed the Breast Cancer Society (BCR) for the first time, with the aim of tending medical care and counselling to such patients in the district.
Appreciating this effort, medical experts say the move would be a boon to a large number of breast cancer patients, especially those hailing from rural areas, who out of fear, are apprehensive to undergo treatment. “Around 600 new cancer patients are diagnosed in Tiruchy district every year, giving an ominous signal to the society. Women, particularly from rural areas, are leaving this non-communicable disease unnoticed,” Dr K S Devanathan, president, Indian Medical Association (Tiruchy Chapter), told Express. Suggesting that women above 50 years are prone to turn victims of this malady, Devanathan said early diagnosis is a must, and it could be cured completely.
“The IMA would help Breast Cancer Society in terms of providing massive awareness and explaining the treatment method. Since the treatment for breast cancer would be done under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), all sections of women can afford to undergo it,” Devanathan added. In fact, the new Breast Cancer Society would be a boon for women.
“We have planned to create awareness through women who were completely cured of breast cancer, since it would be encouraging to other patients. Further, breast cancer-cured women would be involved in the counselling process, which would embolden others to take the treatment carefully,” said Dr Arun Seshachalam, secretary, Onco Club.