Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop held

Ludhiana, October 21, 2016: Nearly 150 girl students participated in the Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop which was conducted by Association of Surgeons Of India (Punjab State Chapter) and DMC & Hospital at Arya College for Girls . The workshop was inaugurated by Dr.Sanjeev Uppal , the President of the association and Professor and Head of Plastic Surgery at DMCH. He stressed upon the need of early detection of breast cancer for effective treatment and gave away the motto of “ Best Protection is Early Detection”. A hands on workshop on Breast Self Examination was conducted by Dr G S Brar, Dr Bharti Kawatra, Dr Sheerin Shah and Dr Bharti Tanwar . Ms Suksham Ahluwalia, Principal released an educational pamphlet on this occasion .All the girl participants were given the Pink Ribbon as the international symbol of breast cancer awareness.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr G S Brar , Chief Trainer and Head of Surgical Oncology at DMCH , told the gathering that Early breast cancer usually doesn’t cause symptoms. But as the tumor grows, it can change how the breast looks or feels.It may present as a lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area or change in the size or shape of the breast . It may cause dimpling or puckering in the skin of the breast or the nipple turned inward into the breast .
Dr Sheerin Shah from DMC & Hospital detailed 7 steps of self examination of the breasts . She stressed the need for the women to immediately report if they detect any lump in their breasts and take it as breast cancer unless otherwise proved. She recommended once a month self-examination and schedule it on the first day of menstruation.
Dr Bharti Kawatra , Vice president of the Istri Sabha and Dr Bharti Tanwar , Surgical Specialist from Civil Hospital respectively , conducted the workshop on self examination of the breasts and gave away the practical tips . They stressed on following points : -
• Once a year, every year, without fail, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to perform a clinical breast examination. We recommend you schedule it on or near your birthday.
• Schedule a mammogram only if needed for diagnosis of a suspected lump. Even then, be sure to schedule that mammogram within the first 14 days of your menstrual cycle.
Ms Suksham Ahluwalia, the Principal of the Arya College for Girls told the girls being trained in the workshop, to go to the masses and educate the women about the breast cancer awareness and act as the trainers.