'Cancer is not a full stop'

Book authored by survivor released in City

She was talking after launching her book, ‘Cancer is a comma not a full stop,’ published by Sapna Book House, at Rotary Club, Bangalore on Wednesday. The book was formally launched by former Women and Child Development minister, Renuka Chowdhury.

“The book is a guide in dealing with the disease. It demystifies chemotherapy, life after cancer, side-effects of treatment and addresses questions about recurrences. List of places is furnished where women can seek consultation, buy wigs etc. It also enlists dos and don’ts for family and friends of cancer patients. Each chapter ends with an inspirational story of a cancer survivor," the author recounted. Proceeds from the book will go to further the cause of research in breast cancer and creating awareness, particularly amongst rural women.

On the occasion of the 75th anniversary celebration of the Rotary Club, Chowdhury spoke on ‘Breaking through the glass ceiling.’ Saluting the courage of women, who have fought the disease, Renuka Chowdhury said having breast cancer doesn't mean loss of femininity. It is a perception held by the women that the problem lies within them. But it isn’t the case.

Stereotypical portrayal of women in movies, media and advertisements has done irreparable damage to the women’s image. They pressurise women to emulate those set rules. Also, laws in the constitution discriminated women in case of inheritance rights. Even basic rights of women were often ignored, she observed. “When I was in the Parliament, there was only one toilet for women, including the staff."  Linsey Simpson, Global Marketing Manager of Thompson Reuters and a breast cancer survivor said glass ceiling was a hurdle created by the women themselves. “I was also able to break the ceiling,” she added.