Akangjungla
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Being told that someone has been diagnosed with Breast cancer – any cancer or illness for that matter can have manifold affects on their existence. Because of the association of the word ‘cancer’ with fear, expensive medicines and intensive treatments, the diagnosis of cancer brings with it a range of negative emotions making it harder to go through the journey of healing.
The stigma and judgment in the Naga society, in particular, does not make it easier for people to talk about Breast cancer. Often times, those with cancer do not share how they really feel for fear of being told how dreadful the illness is or how unfortunate they are, which only further isolates them when they need all the support they can get. The lack of knowledge to take care of the human body adds more to this challenge.
With the increasing cases, or just with people in general slowly opening up more about the diagnosis points towards one essential necessity- creating awareness on Breast cancer. Undoubtedly, if an broad survey was to be conducted, the awareness levels of the symptoms, risk factors and treatment for Breast cancer among women in Nagaland will be an easy ‘poor’ result. The survey, in all possibility will reveal low literacy of Breast cancer among women, irrespective of their socio-economic and educational setting.
Breast cancer is reportedly one of the most common female cancers worldwide including India, ‘where advanced stages at diagnosis, and rising incidence and mortality rates, make it essential to understand cancer literacy in women,’ according to “A review of breast cancer awareness among women in India: Cancer literate or awareness deficit?” conducted by A Gupta, K Shridhar, and PK Dhillon. The review underlines an urgent need for awareness programmes, engaging multiple stakeholders of society and the health system, to help improve cancer literacy in India.
Every October is observed as Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the aim to bring widespread attention to Breast cancer. In Nagaland like elsewhere, there is an urgent need to accelerate awareness on early detection which is incredibly important to detect the disease through screening when it is most treatable. Every women from a young age needs to be made comfortable to talk about their body, and for this change to happen, the society as a whole has to stop shying away from having conversation about the same. The early detection can happen only when it becomes common for every woman to know how her breasts normally look and feel in order to recognize any changes that may occur and most importantly, to be able to feel comfortable sharing and talking about the changes, if any. Taking regular clinical breast exams which can not only help detect Breast cancer but also open more treatment options can play a key role managing this health risk.
The diagnosis of cancer, the treatment and survival process comes along with a range of emotions for the person diagnosed with the illness as well as for the family members and friends. The despair and fear that a disease like cancer can bring with it requires positive thoughts and the power of the mind, as much as the right treatment and medical care. At a time when the person diagnosed with the illness and the families are facing fear, anxiety and vulnerability, positive conversations and stories can go a long way in the journey towards beating cancer. They need not be told how many people have succumbed to the illness or of the wrong treatments and failed surgeries. It might not be the cure but positive attitude and some form of faith can make the journey to beating cancer much easier.
Hence, do not shy away from telling stories that can give hope, comfort and joy this Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Comments can be sent to akangjungla@gmail.com
