Copyright thehindu
At the Chennai Breast Centre, a dedicated support group helps breast cancer survivors regain their confidence and navigate the uncertainties that often accompany their journey. On Saturday (November 8, 2025), over 150 survivors came together at ‘Engal Utsav’ to celebrate their resilience and the journeys they have shared. For many, the emotional support offered by the group is just as essential as the medical treatment itself. Gomathi Sivakumar, 66, found solace in the reassurance she received from the staff. “They made me feel like it was nothing to worry about. Many people can feel lost during such times. The team was always there, reassuring me saying, ‘Don’t worry, you’re in good hands.’ Even after my surgery, the support group staff would call to check on me.” For M. Bhuvaneshwari, 35, a mother of two young children, the journey was longer than she expected. Diagnosed in 2023, she did not anticipate that her treatment would stretch over two and a half years. Yet, the support she received helped her through every stage. “We even have a WhatsApp group with 300 members where women ask questions, share experiences, and offer support. It is a place where we all help each other.” The importance of these social connections is echoed by another cancer survivor who wished to remain anonymous. “Meeting others who have walked the same path is invaluable. You realise you are not alone,” she says. Seetha Ramachandran, in her late 70s, a cancer survivor and member of the support group, said that patients feel more reassured when someone like her, who underwent breast cancer surgery and has lived for decades since, tells them they will be fine. Lifestyle and recovery Doctors highlight the importance of lifestyle factors in recovery. At a press meet on Saturday, Selvi Radhakrishna, an oncologist and breast surgeon, notes that many women lead stressful lives with little focus on nutrition or self-care. “Addressing lifestyle changes is important, not only for cancer recovery but for long-term well-being,” she says. Sheela Nambiar, a lifestyle medicine physician, says that while medical treatments are crucial, patients can also take control by adopting a healthy diet, staying active, and participating in support groups. Doctors said that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for nearly 30% of all female cancers. In 2022 alone, 192,020 new cases were reported, with over 60% detected only at advanced stages. In such cases, mastectomy becomes necessary. Venkat Ramakrishnan, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, highlights the importance of reconstructive surgery in the emotional recovery process. “While breast cancer in India is diagnosed earlier than in the West, cultural hesitations and financial barriers mean fewer than 1% of Indian women undergo breast reconstruction, compared to over 65% in Europe,” he says. The financial aspect of recovery is also a key issue. S. Prakash, a health insurance expert, stresses the need for a more inclusive insurance ecosystem. “Health insurance should cover not only healthy individuals but also those undergoing or recovering from illnesses like breast cancer. Unfortunately, this is not the case today, and it leaves many women without the support they need.”
