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To celebrate Breast Cancer Awareness Month, GVK Health Hub organized a thought-provoking and inspiring panel discussion featuring Philanthropist Pinky Reddy, Actress and Cancer Warrior Sonali Bendre, and Dr. Sneha Sagar, a Medical Oncologist with GVK Health Hub. The event, aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer, brought together personal stories, professional insights, and vital health information to emphasize the importance of early detection and timely screening.
Sonali Bendre, a celebrated actress and cancer warrior, shared her personal journey, offering insights into the physical and emotional challenges that accompany the disease. Reflecting on her own battle, she said, "Yes, the physical challenges are immense, but what people often don’t see is how cancer affects you mentally. It’s a disease that can destroy your spirit if you allow it. For me, it was important to stay mentally steady—to surround myself with love, positivity, and the will to fight. My family and friends played an incredibly supportive role, but I also found strength in my daily routine — meditation, focusing on small victories, and reminding myself every day that I was more than just a cancer patient. This mindset was critical in bolstering my determination to fight, and I urge all warriors to build their own mental fortress during this journey."
Speaking about early cancer detection, Sonali Bendre added, “Cancer doesn't have to be the scary word that it is. The kind of information available these days can help in detection of pre-cancerous state. That’s the weapon. Information is our arsenal”.
The discussion began with an important question: "How helpful is timely screening, and at what age should one begin screening for breast cancer?" Dr. Sneha Sagar, Medical Oncologist, GVK Health Hub, answered by underscoring the critical importance of early detection. She shared, "While genetics play a role, with about 5-10% of breast cancer cases linked to hereditary factors, the majority of cases occur otherwise. If one has a significant family history of breast or ovar. ian cancer, it is advisable to consult an oncologist to obtain an assessment of personal risk and follow relevant measures accordingly. Hereditary breast cancers can occur at a younger age and can be more aggressive than sporadic cancers. It’s vital to break the assumption that if it doesn’t run in the family, one is safe. Regular screening is necessary for all women. With breast cancer accounting for 26.6% of cancers among females and causing a high mortality rate at 10.7%, early detection is crucial. Women should start regular mammograms at age 40, but those with a family history should consult their doctors for earlier screening. Timely screening can be life-saving — it catches the disease early, before it spreads, allowing for more treatment options and a better prognosis."
Speaking about the campaign and the urgent need for awareness on women’s health, Pinky Reddy, a well-known philanthropist and advocate for women’s health added, “Our vision for this campaign at GVK Health Hub is to create a nurturing space where women can prioritize their health through essential services like breast cancer screenings.
I firmly believe that women are the creative life force of their ecosystems: they shape families, inspire communities, and drive innovation in their workplaces. By investing in their health, we honour their invaluable role and empower them to continue nurturing those around them with strength and love. If women collapse, the whole world will collapse”.
The panel took on a common misconception: "Only women are susceptible to breast cancer." Breast cancer does predominantly affect women, but men are not immune. Though rare, men can develop breast cancer too, and it’s important for both men and women to be aware of any unusual changes in their bodies.
In closing, the panellists highlighted that breast cancer awareness and education are key to combating the disease. By empowering women and men alike with knowledge about risk factors, the importance of timely screening, and debunking common myths, GVK Health Hub contributes its mite to raising awareness and saving lives.
Source : PR Agency
