Rama Sivaram, breast cancer survivor and now patient counsellor talks about the issues of sexual wellbeing brought about by breast cancer and its treatment and how couples can bring back intimacy into their relationship
“My coming of age was celebrated with such pomp and grandeur; I was just 13. I suddenly transitioned from being a girl child to woman physically, sexually and spiritually. On one hand I was embarrassed and scared and on the other rite of passage is a milestone –a social message…
Breast Cancer
Concerns regarding sexual health are quite common among patients who have undergone cancer treatment, but rarely are these concerns addressed by their medical care team. Most patients are shy or embarrassed to bring it up and even made to feel guilty about raising them, while they are trying to fight cancer. We spoke to Dr Prasad Raj Dandekar, consultant radio-oncologist who talked to us about the need for cancer patients to openly discuss their sexual health with their doctor to navigate…
Lymphedema is called the "Dirty Secret of Breast Cancer" for a reason. Breast Cancer patients were often not told about the risk of lymphedema and what needs to be done to prevent/manage it. Dr. Rohini Patil, gynaecologist, breast cancer survivor and Certified Lymphedema Therapist talks about lymphedema and how to manage it. In this recording she talks about breast cancer, the most common cancer among women in india and lymphedema. She explains all about lymphedema. Keka Roy also…
Here are 3 inspirational stories from breast cancer survivors who developed their own regimen to develop and regain fitness after breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy surgery. These were shared by Pragna Shah, Asha Rajini and Shilpa Aneja in a webinar. Link to the webinar below: Pragna Shah In her 60s, first diagnosed in 2013, radical mastectomy soon after. Pragna was particular about fitness even well before her diagnosis. She had an active exercise routine of…
While breast cancer patients are busy dealing with the effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, they are often not warned about Lymphedema, often called "the dirty secret" of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors share their first hand experience of dealing with lymphedema. What is Lymphedema Lymphodema is the accumulation of lymph (tissue fluid) below the skin. Lymph is normally drained by the Lymphatic system, which when obstructed can lead to accumulation of the lymph.…
Deaths due to Breast Cancer are preventable. Just do the Breast Self Exam once a month to catch any abnormalities early. Download this shower card to reduce breast cancer mortality Breast cancer is one of the commonest cancers for women. It can also affect a small percentage of men. If detected early, it is also a cancer with one of the higher survival rates. So it is important that we take the necessary steps to detect lumps in the breast and other abnormalities early to improve our chances.…
This #BreastFeedingAwareness Week, let us remind ourselves about the benefits of breast feeding through this simple Infographic. We all know breast feeding helps strengthen the bond between the mother and child. But there are other clear health benefits too. Breast feeding helps provide the necessary nutrition to the baby and build the baby's immunity as well as reduces the risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and obesity for the mother. For more details read the complete article…
According to a study being conducted by the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai, yoga has a positive impact on breast cancer survivors, especially in domains related to fatigue, emotional score, pain management, compliance to treatment and improves overall quality of life. An interview with Dr Nita Nair who led the study. The Department of Surgical Oncology, Breast Disease Management Group and Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) in Mumbai recently undertook a study on cancer and yoga. The study was led by…
Usha Jesudasan, who is affected by polio, diabetes and breast cancer, is a prolific writer of inspirational books and articles. Here, she advises on a holistic approach to cope with the diagnosis of chronic illness and move forward without letting life crumble. Sitting across from the doctor’s table, I hear him say something. “It is what we call a chronic disease.” 1. Your Attitude Matters Chronic disease? The doctor explained: “A chronic disease is one which continues for a long time. There is…
