Description

The session on Breast Cancer Awareness, organized by the Rotaract Club of Chandigarh Himalayan in collaboration with Fortis Hospital, Mohali and other collaborating Rotaract clubs including the Rotaract Club of Jyoti Nivas College, aimed to raise awareness about breast cancer, focusing on symptoms, lifestyle factors, early screening, self-examination, vaccines, and prevention tips. The goal was to provide education on early detection and lifestyle adjustments to reduce risk. The Keynote Speaker for the session was Dr. Naval Bansal, Senior Consultant - Breast & Endocrine Surgery. The meeting began with a discussion on common symptoms of breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of recognizing early signs, such as lumps in the breast or underarm, changes in breast shape or size, skin changes, and more. The role of lifestyle and diet in breast cancer risk was also highlighted, noting that certain factors can increase or decrease the chances of developing the disease. The importance of making healthy lifestyle choices to minimize risk was strongly emphasized. Early detection was a key focus of the meeting. Mammograms were highlighted as the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer at an early stage when treatment is more successful. The meeting discussed the importance of self-breast examination (SBE) as a tool for early detection. Women were encouraged to perform monthly self-exams to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. SBE empowers women to detect unusual changes early and seek medical advice promptly. Emerging research on vaccines for breast cancer was also discussed. The meeting concluded with practical tips to lower the risk of breast cancer. The meeting provided crucial information on breast cancer awareness, emphasizing the importance of early detection through screening and self-examination. Attendees were encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and stay informed about ongoing research into potential vaccines and other preventive measures. Promoting awareness and prevention is key to reducing the incidence and impact of breast cancer.