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Thane: On the eve of Women’s Day, Udaan Welfare Foundation and CPAA organised an open forum session to create awareness about Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer – two of the most common cancers found in India. The event was held at the Sri Ma Hall in Thane. The topic of discussion “Breast and Cervical cancer – Myths and realities” was led by Dr. Vani Parmar – Associate Professor and Surgeon, Breast Unit, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and Dr. Prashant Nyati, Consultant Gynaecologist Onco-Surgeon, Jupiter Hospitals, Thane. This event was also used as an opportunity by the Udaan Welfare Foundation to announce its plans for a Cancer Chemotherapy Day-care Centre in Thane. The Centre is a brainchild of Dr. Anil K. Luniya, President, Udaan Welfare Foundation. The centre is a pioneering project that aims to provide administration of cancer chemotherapy at a subsidized rate for the low and middle income group.

Despite it being held on a Sunday morning, the session saw an overwhelming response of around 220 members of the public. Telugu Film Actress Mayuri also graced the occasion with her presence. To show her support and appreciation for the initiative, she said “These sessions have given me a learning experience and desire to do more for the cause”.

The session was developed around the urgent need to create awareness among people about the prevention and cure of cancer. The two chief speakers highlighted the various causes, symptoms and treatments of both cervical cancer and breast cancer. Both doctors agreed on that education and regular check ups can help identify the cancer tumour in early stage. They emphasized that early detection can cure cancer. Another point that emerged out of the discussions was that changing lifestyles are causing an increase in the sufferings of several women.

The event started with Founder President, Udaan Welfare Foundation, Dr. Anil K. Luniya’s introduction of the initiative and the purpose behind this event – promoting the cause of clearing myths and realities about Breast and Cervical cancer. He highlighted the achievements of the Foundation and requested the audience to participate in similar events periodically.

(from left to right) Dr. Anil K. Luniya, President, Udaan Welfare Foundation, Dr. Prashant Nyati, Consultant Gynaecologist Onco-Surgeon, Jupiter Hospitals, Thane, Telugu Film Actress Mayuri and Dr. Vani Parmar – Associate Professor and Surgeon, Breast Unit, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.

Talking about Cervical Cancer Dr. Prashant Nyati said, “Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and cause of death in women worldwide. Cervical cancer symptoms often go unnoticed because they mimic so many other ailments. When symptoms are present, they usually do not appear until the cancer is more advanced. Many times, however, cervical cancer has no symptoms. Poor hygiene and multiple partners are two of the many causes of cervical cancer.”

Adding to it from the point of view of preventing breast cancer Dr. Vani Parmar said, “Breast cancer is also a death-causing factor in women. Breast cancer affects one in eight women during their lives. Early detection can cure breast cancer. Some of the causes that have been collectively associated with breast cancer are early onset of menses and early menopause are also associated with breast cancer, family history of close relative like mother, sister and daughter who has been diagnosed with breast cancer increases the risk factor. Other risks include being overweight, taking birth control pills, late childbearing, drinking alcohol, hormone replacement therapy or having dense breasts.”

Both doctors also explained in detail the treatments used in treating the cancer at each level. Dr Vani explained in detail how regular self breast examination can help in early detection of breast cancer. Together doctors stressed on the fact that cancer is curable if detected at an early stage, hence people will have to be more aware and educated about cancer and its symptoms.

Adding to the conversation Dr. Anil K. Luniya said “Breast and Cervical cancer is the leading cause of death in women around the world. Through these sessions our endeavour will be to encourage women in India to implement regular screenings to prevent and detect cancer before it’s too late.”

The Q&A session has also received wonderful response from the audience as there were several queries which were clarified by the doctors and some of the cancer survivors.

About Udaan Welfare Foundation:

Udaan Welfare Foundation was conceived on 16th March, 2008 when a group of 41 professionals from different walks of life decided to work together with a common vision of empowering lives. The Foundation became a registered Society and Trust in October, 2008 with the Charity Commissioner, Mumbai.

The flight of Udaan Welfare Foundation has begun and the NGO has implemented several projects in the areas of Health and Education and in a small way restored the environment.  Plans are afoot to involve itself in many more projects by which it can contribute more meaningfully towards the upliftment of the downtrodden and revitalize the human spirit.  The NGO plans to focus on key areas of Health, Education and Environment through its projects involving children, women and senior citizens. (www.udaanwelfare.org)

Among its upcoming projects are a subsidised cancer detection camp and a blood donation drive, to be held in April. Udaan is also committed to founding a Cancer Chemotherapy Day-care centre in Thane. The centre is focussed on economising the administration of cancer chemotherapy drugs, both in terms of time and money, for low and middle income groups.

Cancer Patient Aid Association (CPAA):

Established in 1969, CPAA has a tradition of untiring service to needy cancer patients from all over India, and even neighbouring Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Pakistan. CPAA is an empathetic, reassuring, non-medical presence that has supported the treatment and overall needs of more than 40,000 cancer patients. It has also done screening camps for more than 200000 people.

For further details, contact Dr. Anil K Luniya on +91 9819033773 or email: anil.luniya@udaanwelfare.org

Later in the day the UELCI-WICAS had also organised a one-day gathering at the Bethesda Hall, UELCI Church Women’s Centre at 94, Purusawalkam High Road, Kellys, Chennai-10. Ms. Isabel Richardson, the Executive Secretary of Madras Christian Council of Social Services, delivered the key note address, Ms. Elizabeth of the All India Radio, anchored a lively debate and there were other educative and awareness creating programs in the same meeting.

Women’s Day awareness rally led by (from left) Rev. Paul Satyamury, Rev. Dr. Augustine Jeyakumar and Rev. Minnie Sarah

The UELCI is a communion of 12 Lutheran Churches, with a membership of four million people, spread across the country, including the neighbouring country Nepal. It has been in the service of the church and society since 1926, engaging in the role of leadership, representing the Indian Lutheran churches in the global forum, initiating ecumenical endeavours and making every effort to live the gospel of Jesus Christ in reality in the midst of struggles. The Women in Church and Society (WICAS) is a wing of UELCI established in the year 1975, which primarily caters to the needs of women in the church and society, struggling towards a paradigm shift for Gender Justice. An extension of WICAS is Slum Women’s Advancement Program (SWAP), this body engages primarily in the empowerment of women and children of the urban and suburban slums, to create a just society with socio-political and economic equities and equalities.

UELCI-WICAS-SWAP wishes everyone a Happy Women’s Day.