As part of observing October as the breast cancer awareness month, SFI Calicut Medicos has launched various awareness programmes about cancer. The organisation is conducting awareness classes, flash mobs and pamphlets distribution over the one month period in association with National Health Mission and Kudumbashree.
The volunteers of the organisation are giving prominence to teaching self-examination, which is important in detecting breast cancer, in the campaign. Ladeedha Rayya, medical student associating with programme said early detection is important in the treatment. "The women are hesitant to reveal or taking medication due to fear and social stigma. Most of the cases are reporting in very late stage of disease. If the breast cancer identify in early stage, then the lump can be removed through a small surgery. Fear of the people is that if one affected with the disease, then the mastectomy is the solution. The mastectomy can be prevented if the disease is identified early," she added.
To spread the message, the organisation will conduct meeting of women in panchayat level association with Kudumbashree.
