Awareness programme on breast cancer held in Digboi Mahila Mahavidyalaya

TINSUKIA: “Male breast cancer is a rare form of cancer. Though also prevalent in Indian society, it remains to be a subject of taboo due to ignorance and lack of awareness leading to high mortality rate in India compared to developed world,” said Dr Lopamudra Das Roy, a US-based distinguished cancer scientist and research professor.

Addressing an awareness programme on breast cancer at Digboi Mahila Mahavidyalaya organized by Margherita sub-district branch of Indian Red Cross Society in collaboration with the college on Thursday, Dr Roy, the founder and president of Breast Cancer Hub (BCH), a North Carolina based non-profit organization, said early detection and screening protocol can reduce cancer-related mortality to a significant level. She dwelt at length on the risk factors, symptoms, treatment, management and palliative care.

She viewed that their organization-BCH supports the underprivileged populace from childhood cancer to adult cancer in poverty and in utmost need especially in developing countries without any discrimination of colour, religion, language, culture and gender across globally providing 100% free services. In context of India and the Northeast in particular where occurrence of cancer is very high, Dr Roy opined that high incidence in NE can be attributed to tobacco consumption besides other factors.

In respect of male breast cancer, she said in India so far, many cases had been detected, mostly in the advanced stage. In Assam, however, recently a 76-year old patient survived through counselling and medical guidance by BCH and other cancer institutes though several cases may still remain undetected due to taboo and other reasons.

The programme began with the welcome address by Pabitra Borgohain, secretary Margherita sub-district branch of IRCS, followed by lighting of ceremonial lamp.

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