Pune to host first-ever meet for breast cancer survivors

City-based support group Breast Friends Pune and Women’s Cancer Initiative (WCI) have joined hands to organise the first-ever conference of breast cancer survivors in the country.

The two-day conference that will be held on October 6-7 aims to impart practical information to breast cancer survivors and their caregivers to help them cope with the concerns that can arise during and after treatment.

Devieka Bhojwani, vice-president, WCI, said, “This is the first-of its-kind platform where women who have been treated for cancer will talk about their experiences. The life ahead faces a lot of challenges – emotional as well as physical, and this would provide a platform for the survivors to share their feelings with others, find solutions to their problems and reach out to those who are battling the same disease.”

Breast cancer surgeon Dr Shona Nag said that the conference would touch on a variety of subjects and will have survivors, oncologists, gynaecologists, HR professionals and social workers for discussion.

“We want to bring all the help under one roof for survivors on how to look beautiful, financial support, integrating into workforce, etc. An important aspect of the conference would be prevention of relapse and counselling on lifestyle and follow-ups. We would have workshops by experts on diet, yoga, fitness, role of alternate therapies in recovery,” said Nag.

Oncosurgeon Dr Anupama Mane, who co-founded Breast Friends Pune along with Nag said that post breast cancer treatment, patients ignore lifestyle and risk relapse.

Sameera Singh, who is managing the conference, said two other events — a flashmob, ‘Dance for a cure’ will be organised at Phoenix Market City on September 30 and a special ‘Walkathon’ on Ahmednagar Road would take place on October 7.