My Book
Being Breast Aware
Breast Cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide.
The way breast cancer cases are increasing like wildfire in India is alarming. One in every nine Indian women is estimated to develop breast cancer in her lifetime We are on the threshold of becoming the breast cancer capital of the world. Initially identified as the disease of urban women and a disease of the western world largely, it is now rampant in rural areas as well and has surpassed cervical cancer to earn the dubious distinction of the most common cancer in India
Unfortunately, most cancer cases are detected in the advanced stage thereby reducing the survival rate. With the large population of women residing in rural areas with poor medical facilities, the situation is pretty grim.
Ironically, if breast cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of survival are quite high. Cancer can be detected at an early stage by widespread and rigorous screening programs which in turn is possible only by creating extensive awareness about breast problems in the general population because women rarely talk about them. The gravity of the situation can be understood by the statistics showing that a mere 0. 6% of women ever have any breast examination for cancer screening!
With the bombardment of information on the internet, there are broadly two categories of women -One chooses to stay ignorant and unconcerned about breast cancer so detection is missed till it is too late. The other category is those, who because of an overdose of information become hypochondriacs and get over-treated or remain under considerable stress all the time. This book aims to address both ends of the spectrum and at the same time clear myths prevalent in society.
The author brings to light pertinent and relevant issues with the help of short stories where she shares her personal experiences and observations of the women whose lives were cut short by Cancer or troubled by breast ailments. Nine stories …inspired by real-life cases; each story is accompanied by breast cancer facts and guidelines, advice about do’s and don’ts . Medical facts are stated in simple language ..so that one may not be caught unaware and at the same time remove unnecessary consternation caused by insufficient knowledge.
It is the author’s ardent hope to reach out to as many women as possible through this book to save many more lives.
Happy Readers
