New Delhi: Anil Agrawal is a wealthy businessman from Patna. He is the chairman of Vedanta Group. He actively participates in social work. Vedanta Group runs Balco Medical Centre, one of India’s leading cancer hospitals. The same center launched a massive awareness campaign “Drop the Shame, Speak Out on Lumps” during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The goal of this campaign was to detect breast cancer early and remove the stigma associated with this disease.
organize many events
Dr. Bhavana Sirohi, Medical Director, Balco Medical Center (BMC), says that under this initiative, BMC organized many programs like health checkup, bike rally, free mammography screening and educational podcasts. This is so that this disease can be detected in time and awareness on this subject increases among the people of the community. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BMC focused on educating the public about the disease and encouraging proactive measures for prevention and screening.
explained the importance of health
Dr. Sirohi says that BMC provided the facility of free mammography screening throughout this month. With this, women should be alerted about this disease in time and preventive tests to detect it should be promoted. In the last week of October, BMC’s mobile cancer detection van organized screening camps for women above 45 years of age in nearby villages. These camps explained the importance of regular checkups and taught breast self-examination, making women aware of the importance of proactive breast health.
Bike rally also organized
To further connect the community with this campaign, a Breast Cancer Awareness Bike Rally was organized. 10 biking groups took part in this rally. Of these, about 270 were riders. After this rally, trees were planted which became a symbol of hope and growth. Thus, the community expressed its commitment to support breast cancer awareness and foster a healthier future for all. BMC disseminated these activities through social media, where highlights of the campaign, an awareness carousel and videos of experts were shared.
Women often remain silent
Dr. Sirohi says that women often remain silent on this issue. If this is the condition of a metropolis like Delhi, don’t even talk about areas like Chhattisgarh. Therefore, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an effort was made to increase monitoring, timely intervention and open dialogue regarding breast health. With ‘Shame Chhodo, Gaanthon Pe Bolo’ we aim to break the silence around breast health, empower women to recognize the early symptoms and encourage them to take action without hesitation.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Bhavana Sirohi. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. As the Medical Director at the Balco Medical Centre, you’ve been at the forefront of significant initiatives for breast cancer awareness. Can you start by telling us about the “Drop the Shame, Speak Out on Lumps” campaign and what inspired it?
Dr. Bhavana Sirohi: Thank you for having me! The “Drop the Shame, Speak Out on Lumps” campaign was born out of the urgent need to address both the medical and societal dimensions of breast cancer. Many individuals, especially women, feel stigmatized about discussing breast health issues. By launching this campaign during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we aimed to encourage open conversations about breast cancer and promote early detection through regular screenings.
Time.news Editor: That’s such an important initiative. Can you elaborate on some of the activities that Balco Medical Centre organized as part of this campaign?
Dr. Bhavana Sirohi: Absolutely! We organized a variety of impactful activities. Health check-up camps were held across the community, providing vital resources to those who might not seek regular screenings. We also hosted a bike rally to raise awareness and foster community involvement. Free mammography screenings were offered to ensure that financial constraints wouldn’t prevent individuals from accessing necessary health services. Additionally, we created educational podcasts to spread information about the signs of breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a comprehensive approach! What has been the community’s response to these efforts?
Dr. Bhavana Sirohi: The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people expressed relief at being able to discuss something that’s often considered taboo. We noticed increased participation in screenings and health check-ups compared to previous years. The community has become more knowledgeable about breast health, which is encouraging. In many cases, individuals shared their experiences openly, leading to greater collective awareness.
Time.news Editor: That’s inspiring to hear. How do you think campaigns like this can change public perception and reduce the stigma surrounding breast cancer?
Dr. Bhavana Sirohi: Changing public perception takes time and persistent effort. By encouraging dialogue and offering educational resources, we empower individuals with information. When people see others speaking out about their experiences, it helps to normalize the conversation around breast cancer. This can substantially reduce stigma, making it easier for those affected to seek help and support without fear of judgment.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, the social aspect of health is often overlooked. What role do you see the Balco Medical Centre and Vedanta Group playing in the larger landscape of cancer care and prevention in India?
Dr. Bhavana Sirohi: Our commitment goes beyond treatment; we aim to be leaders in cancer prevention and awareness. The Vedanta Group, under the leadership of Anil Agrawal, is deeply invested in social causes, and we strive to translate that commitment into actionable healthcare initiatives. Our vision is to create a healthcare ecosystem where prevention, early detection, and treatment come together, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.
Time.news Editor: That vision is commendable! As we wrap up, what final message would you like to share with our readers regarding breast cancer awareness?
Dr. Bhavana Sirohi: I would urge everyone to prioritize their health and not shy away from discussing any concerns or symptoms. Early detection saves lives. Let’s keep the conversation going and break down the barriers of stigma. Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against breast cancer.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sirohi. Your insights and dedication to this cause are truly inspiring. We look forward to following the continued success of your initiatives at Balco Medical Centre.