Breast Cancer Survivors should learn to overcome their fear – Dr. Nag

Pune 12 November 2019 : Instead of living in fear of the health issues you are going through or have gone in the past, one should look ahead and get on with their life, advised Dr Shona Nag, a well known oncologist and Director of Oncology Department of Sahyadri Hospitals Pune. She was speaking at the inaugural session of a two day Breast Cancer Survivors Conference at YASHADA, Baner organized by Nag Foundation in association with Sahyadri Hospital and the Women’s Cancer Initiative – Tata Memorial Hospital (WCl-TMH), a non-profit NGO. This was the eight year of this initiative. More than 500 Breast Cancer Survivors participated in the conference.

“After a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer and has taken treatment, doctors have successfully treated the patient, one should learn to get back to their normal life than living in the fear of reoccurring of cancer or any such negative thoughts related to health. Survivors can definitely live a normal life if they take good care of their health,” said Dr Nag.

She added that treatment summary is a key in post care of breast cancer treatment. Even if the patient visits another doctor with some common ailment, the doctor should know the history to prescribe proper medication. Regular follow up after the treatment is also an important factor which has three major goals viz maintaining health and quality of life, monitoring for long term toxicities related to the treatment and surveillance of cancer re-occurrence. Follow up visits every 3-6 months for first 4-5 years and thereafter once in a year is a must. The survivor can visit Surgical Oncologist, Medical Oncologist or Radiation Oncologist.

Dr Jayashree Apte, Executive Director Sahyadri Hospitals said, “The enthusiasm and smile on your faces reflects the beauty of life and your determination. There are so many aspects to Breast Cancer Cure apart from the actual treatment and support is one of them. We are happy to collaborate with Dr Shona Nag at Sahyadri Hospitals and for such important initiatives.”

Interesting and intriguing programs including panel discussions, lecture on diet and nutrition, laughter sessions and art therapy are the part of this two day conference.