Apollo Proton Cancer Centre Unveils #SaveTheBreast Initiative

Chennai, October  2023: Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC), the first and largest Proton Therapy Centre in South Asia and the Middle East launched its #SaveTheBreast campaign as part of a coordinated effort to advance women’s health and increase public awareness about breast cancer. This campaign attempts to promote breast conservation—a surgical operation that not only transforms the way breast cancer is treated but also impacts the Quality of Life after treatment.

The campaign was inaugurated by Ms. R K Roja Selvamani, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Culture Youth Advancement and Sports, Government of Andhra Pradesh in the presence of Ms. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director, Group Oncology and International, Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr. Sapna Nangia, Director – Head Neck & Breast, Department of Radiation Oncology, APCC and Dr.Manjula Rao, Consultant – Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, APCC. 

In India, the statistics indicate that the risk of developing breast cancer is significant, as approximately one in 28 Indian women is likely to face this diagnosis during her lifetime. While the global diagnosis rate in 2020 was approximately one in every 1,703 women. India faced a higher mortality rate, with about 13 in every one lakh women succumbing to breast cancer, making it the most common cancer among women.

Early detection and innovative treatment options, such as breast conservation, have significantly improved survival rates and the overall quality of life for patients. Breast conservation, or breast-conserving surgery, is a medical advancement that removes cancerous tissue while preserving a significant portion of the breast. This approach has transformed breast cancer treatment, offering benefits like breast preservation, improved cosmetics, body image, and psychosocial well-being. It reduces morbidity and maintains comparable survival rates to mastectomy, (mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire breast tissue is removed from one or both breasts) thereby improving the quality of life for those undergoing treatment.

Commenting on the occasion, Ms. R K Roja Selvamani, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism Culture Youth Advancement and Sports, Government of Andhra Pradesh, stated, “The #SaveTheBreast campaign is an inspiring initiative that underscores the critical need for breast conservation. It not only empowers women but also represents a significant stride forward in the fight against breast cancer. I am honored to be a part of this momentous event, and together, we can save lives and enhance the quality of life for countless women.”

Ms. Preetha Reddy, Executive Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, expressed her support for the campaign, stating, “Breast conservation represents a significant advancement in breast cancer care, preserving physical well-being and uplifting the emotional and psychological state of patients. We are proud to lead the charge in promoting this life-changing approach to breast cancer treatment, as it aligns perfectly with our mission of delivering holistic healthcare solutions and improving lives while empowering individuals to make informed choices and ultimately enhance their overall well-being.”

Dr. Sapna Nangia, Director – Head Neck & Breast,Department of Radiation Oncology, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre said, “We are committed to providing the best possible care to cancer patients. The #SaveTheBreast campaign is a testament to our dedication to advancing treatment options and elevating the overall quality of life for our patients. We believe that by supporting breast conservation, we are not just treating the disease; we are nurturing hope and improving the well-being of those affected by breast cancer.”

The launch event featured a distinguished panel of experts who engaged in a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of breast conservation in today’s world. Moderated by Ms. Prathibha Parameswaran, Manager of Branding & Communication at IIT Madras and Shaastra Magazine, the panel included inspiring breast cancer winnerMs. Ramalakshmi and medical experts Dr. Prithika Chary, Senior Neurologist & Post Chair, FICCI FLO – Chennai, Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director – Group Oncology and International at Apollo Hospitals Group, Dr. Sapna Nangia, Director – Head Neck & Breast at APCC, Dr. Manjula Rao, Consultant – Breast Oncoplastic Surgery, APCC and Dr. Prasad E, Senior Consultant in Medical Oncology, APCC. 

Over the past three years, APCC, through the expertise of skilled breast onco-surgeons and advanced surgical technologies, has successfully provided breast conservation to approximately 60% of its patients with varying clinical presentations, including complex cases. This achievement underscores the importance of oncoplastic techniques in breast cancer treatment.

Due to the increasing rate of breast cancer, initiatives like #SaveTheBreast play a pivotal role in addressing this concern, empowering women to make informed choices about their breast cancer treatment.

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