JOIN USThe hardest part of the whole process was the realisation. First to come to terms with the fact that it is cancer and then how do you break the news to your family,” says Priya Chaddha, a breast cancer survivor, who was diagnosed at the age of 32 with cancer. Eight years later she continues to fight cancer by providing counseling to other people going through the process.
Breaking the myth that only women fighting cancer need counselling, Chaddha says, “It is not only women who are affected when they are diagnosed. The whole family is affected, but the partner of the woman also needs counselling during this time. And this is a long battle, men also need emotional strength. Sometimes men are not open to these discussions because of the strong exterior they are supposed to keep. But it is important to reach out to them,” she shares.
Talking about how breast cancer leads to body image issues and relationship problems, she says, “It is generally believed that only young couples who face breast cancer, develop relationship issues. It is not so. Even older people can have issues. Society is still learning to accept cancer patients, but eight years ago it was not easy to walk around with significant hair loss. Even if the hair grows back, mastectomy or lumpectomy can lead to significant body image issues. A survivor shoudn’t feel ashamed as these are actually the badges of honour.”
Reiterating her point, Dr Siddharth Sahni, breast surgeon, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, says, “For women in their 30s and 40s, who are at the top of their careers, it is devastating to know that they have breast cancer. It can lead to a drop in confidence due to the changes in the body.” Yet unlike lung cancer, that affects most people, there is less awareness about breast cancer. There is already enough information on the ill effects of smoking, which is one of the major reasons for lung cancer. Which is why it is important to spread awareness about breast cancer, he adds.
There can be many reasons for a person to develop breast cancer. “One of the overlooked reasons is obesity. Abdominal obesity can play a major role in developing breast cancer. Another reason is use of parabens, which are present in most of the things like face creams, deodorants, floor polish, furniture polish, soaps and even textiles. People don’t check products while buying them, which is important.”
In the case of Chaddha too, cancer was not hereditary and it was difficult to pinpoint a reason for it. So getting a mammogram was also difficult for her. Unless recommended by a doctor, a mammogram screening is not performed on women under the age of 40, due to exposure to radiation.
“Hence, it is important to be breast aware. If you feel any changes in your breasts, a lump, any change in shape or unusual discharge, it is important to visit a doctor. Early stages of cancer can be handled and full recovery is possible,” says Ruchika Nagarath, lactation consultant, Lamaze-India. It is also possible to breastfeed your baby if you are undergoing radiation therapy, but if it is a chemotherapy or radioisotope therapy, then breastfeeding should be avoided, she adds.