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Early detection key to tackling breast cancer: Shabana Azmi

Special Correspondent

Goa launches country’s first mobile mammography unit

Goa has one of the highest incidence of breast cancer
Mammography facility available free of cost

PANAJI: “The very first feel of a slightest lump in the breast might be shocking for a woman, but proper diagnosis through mammography and self-examination go a long way in preventing breast cancer,” said actor and social activist Shabana Azmi on Tuesday as she highlighted the importance of early breast cancer detection.

Ms. Azmi was the chief guest at the launch of country’s first Mobile Mammography Unit (MMU) in Goa on Tuesday. Chief Minister Digambar Kamat, Goa Assembly Speaker Pratapsingh Rane, Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane, Chief Secretary Sanjay Srivastava and Health Secretary Rajiv Verma were present.

The unit was launched by the Goa Directorate of Health Services in association with Muskan, a non-governmental organisation working for the cause of women and children.

Goa, according to health services surveys, has one of the highest incidence of breast cancer owing to diverse reasons such as late marriages and delayed pregnancies, declined fertility, no or less breastfeeding habit, improper nutrition, rapid lifestyle changes leading to lack of exercise among women. The incidence was much higher in urban areas, said Health Minister Vishwajit Rane, quoting a recent study.

Ms. Azmi said there should not be any stigma attached to breast cancer. “Women should not be ashamed of this.” She said many women die because the stigma around breast cancer stops them from seeking early detection.

“If mom was diagnosed with breast cancer it doesn’t mean that the daughter will have it too. It is also not a hereditary disease,” she said..

Ms. Azmi said breast cancer is the most common cancer among women.Early detection combined with proper diagnosis, staging and treatment would help in achieving long term control or cure.

Cancer registry

Health Minister Vishwajeet Rane said the cancer registry was helping Goa Health authorities to plan better and give better care to patients once the data collected systematically revealed why cases pertaining to a certain disease were high.

A mass movement to create awareness on breast cancerwould be taken up with the help of anganwadi workers.

The mammography unit is equipped with the most up-to-date facilities, namely, a digital mammography machine and a stabilising system. The new MMU meets the WHO’s regulation for radiation safety.

All-women team

The MMU service offers an alternative to hospital-based radiological facilities, and is operated by an all-female staff, including a Medical Officer and radiological technologists, trained in mammography imaging. Women aged 40 and above are encouraged to avail themselves of the facility, which is absolutely free of charge.

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