Female cancer survivors come together to dispel stigma

Group of cancer survivors today gathered at a city hospital to spread awareness and dispel stigma associated with breast and cervical cancer.
Women in the age group of 25-35 years created a platform along with 300 nurses to extend support to women suffering from the disease.
"The aim of the event was to dispel the stigma associated with the disease by empowering women to deal with the critical issue of cancer and make them aware that early detection is the cure for cancer.
"This talk is a platform to educate women and help them connect with other survivors to share experiences and give strength, counsel and support to each other emotionally," said Dr Ramesh Sarin, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals.

Concerned at the growing number of cervical cancer patients, Dr Sapna Nangia, Senior Consultant - Oncology said, "With a sharp rise in the number of cases of cervical cancer in younger women, it is no more a disease of the elderly. Unfortunately due to lack of awareness and guidance millions of women do not go for cervical cancer screening and do not find out about the disease until late.
"Cervical cancer screening includes the Pap test and HPV testing and is a vital part of health care for women because it can detect malignancies or abnormalities that may lead to cancer of the cervix."

"We must increase our efforts to make sure that all women understand the importance of getting screened for cervical cancer," she added.