Redefining Beautys

How breast cancer survivors are challenging societal norms

- MIRZA SHAINA BEG

Breast cancer has arisen as a major health concern for women in India, posing challenges that go far beyond medical diagnosis and treatment. As the most common cancer among women, it accounts for a startling 14% of all cancer cases in this population. Alarmingly, an Indian woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every four minutes, and the frequency is gradually growing in both urban and rural settings. According to research issued by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2018, there were roughly 162,468 new instances of breast cancer, with 87,090 deaths that year.

These worrisome figures highlight the urgent need for knowledge and action, especially given that many women are hesitant to undergo chemotherapy for fear of losing their hair—a sign of femininity that is highly valued in Indian culture. This choice is more than just a health issue; it is an emotional and social struggle against the constraints of complying to deeply established beauty norms.

CONFRONTING MISCONCEPTIONS Dr. Syed Asim Rizvi, an oncologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital in Delhi, says that many people's anxieties about breast cancer arise from misinformation. "Many individuals feel that certain lifestyle choices, such as excessive sugar consumption or the use of antiperspirants, are direct causes of cancer." However, these beliefs are myths," he says. He points out the vital role of frequent screenings and education in dispelling these myths. "Early diagnosis is crucial," he says. "Mammograms and self-exams can catch the disease early when it's most treatable."

Dr. Nitin Leekha, Director of Surgical Oncology and a Senior Oncosurgeon at Max Super Speciality Hospital, also frequently deals with widespread misunderstandings concerning breast cancer. He points out, "Many individuals believe that all breast lumps are cancerous, whereas many are benign. Even so, every lump should be investigated."