Women from Ahmedabad come together to fight cancer

With an aim to bust several myths surrounding cancer that is being detected increasingly among all sections of the society and age groups across India, an interactive awareness session on breast and cervical cancer along with menopause was held in Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Titled ‘Women’s Health Matters’, the session was organised by the JITO Ladies Wing Ahmedabad for all at the Zydus Hospital, SG Highway, from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Talking to us, chairperson of the wing that was formed in November last year, Sushma Kankaria, said, “We organised this event because there is fear in the society due to the alarming number of cases that are coming up. Many eminent ladies like Manisha Koirala and Sonali Bendre have been detected with it and are fighting it with all grace. We want to tell that life doesn’t end with its detection. There is hope as several cases are 100 % curable if precaution is taken at a proper time.”
Manjiri Joshi, coordinator of the awareness session at the hospital said, “While Dr Parul Kotdawala spoke on cervical cancer, Dr Priyanka Chiripal talked about prevention, detection and cure of breast cancer.”
She added, “Dr Parul said that women above 25 years of age should undergo a pap smear test every three years for detection of cervical cancer caused due to HPV infection. This test can even help predict if there are chances of a person having the disease after five years.”
If you have a problem of frequent urination coupled with pain, you might have cervical cancer. “Early sexual activity, having more than one sexual partner, smoking and weak immune system are some of the factors. Dr Parul said that one should practice safe sex and shun smoking to keep the probability of the disease at bay,” Manjiri said.
Speaking about breast cancer which has five stages as against four stages of other cancers, Dr Priyanka said at the event, “Those above the age of 25 should get routine check-up done properly. There are various reasons for breast cancer but the prominent one is genetic. If detected early, it can be treated better. If you experience a lump in the armpit after breast, it means the cancer has advanced and needs urgent medical attention.”
Sushma Kankaria informed that they are planning to organize a similar event on organ donation on women’s day.