To begin with, the BMC will introduce mammography tests in three hospitals: KEM, Nair and Sion. According to sources, these tests will begin from January 16.
With a rising number of breast cancer patients in the city, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to start a breast cancer ward at KEM hospital.
Dr Sanjay Oak, dean of the hospital, said, “We plan to start the ward as soon as possible. Considering the number of breast cancer cases in Mumbai, we thought it appropriate to have a ward dedicated to the disease.” The hospital is looking for private donors to fund the project.
To begin with, the BMC will introduce mammography tests in three hospitals: KEM, Nair and Sion. According to sources, these tests will begin from January 16. “We have procured a mammography machine. The ward will help take some load off the Tata Memorial Centre for cancer patients,” said a senior doctor from KEM hospital.
The doctor added: “With the mammography machine at KEM Hospital, women above 40 can be screened. The tests usually cost Rs1,200 to Rs1,400. But we will charge less than Rs600. It will be free for those who cannot afford it.”
The breast cancer programme will be headed by Dr Shilpa Rao (head of surgery department), Dr Nalini Shah (head of endocrine department), Dr Farah Jijina (chemotherapist), Dr Hemant Deshmukh (radiologist) and Dr Rajendra Badwe from the Tata Memorial Centre.
Based on the latest data available with the Indian Council for Medical Research, breast cancer is the commonest cancer among urban women in India. As per the National Cancer Registry, 1 lakh women are diagnosed with breast cancer in India every year.
In Mumbai, 27 out of 1 lakh women suffer from breast cancer. Sixty per cent of those diagnosed are at an advanced stage with less than 15% chance of survival. If patients are diagnosed in time, their survival chances are more than 90%. An estimated 50,000 lives can be saved across the country if breast cancer is detected early.
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