Hyderabad :  Continental Hospitals today launched its  ‘Continental Hospitals’ Breast Support Group’ – an initiative to help women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer to overcome their fears by offering information, emotional support, socialization and encouragement.

Speaking to the media on the occasion of the launch, Dr. Praveen Dadireddy, Chief Breast Oncoplastic Surgeon and Head of Continental Breast Centre said,“ The incidence of breast cancer in India is quite high which is prominently seen in younger women. Once a woman is diagnosed with cancer, she undergoes a lot be it physical or emotional. And we at Continental understand that treating cancer is just not about treatment but to design measures to offer relief to their minds and one such initiative is the launch of the support group”. The Continental Hospitals’ Breast Support Group is for cancer survivors or for young adults who wish to create a community of sharing and who want to empower and embrace women with knowledge and community support, he added.

“Each woman has her own stories and experiences in her fight against cancer. Together, they can come as one to share and learn from one another and build a community of support to address their needs and wants,” mentioned Dr. Praveen Reddy.

Dr. Parbin Moktan, Head of Quality stated that, “Cancer is a disease that affects not only a patient but also puts the patient’s friends and family through a tough time. It drains them physically emotionally and financially. It’s because of this that Continental Hospital s support group launched today will help people garner strength from similar patients and families affected by cancer.”

Continental Hospitals also runs a breast family history clinic to address the specific needs of women with a family history of breast cancer. All women at any increased risk will be offered a 30 minute consultation time with the doctor during which they discuss  risk assessment and draw up a family tree, discuss any specific concerns,  give information about breast awareness, breast cancer and lifestyle factors, offer a clinical breast examination and  offer a mammogram to women over 40 if appropriate. In addition to this, the hospital also runs a dedicated state-of-the –art  one step comprehensive breast unit.  The unit offers a complete range of services by a multidisciplinary team of doctor who are highly trained breast cancer specialists offering best available treatment for the patients.

The Continental Hospitals’ Breast Support Group will meet monthly once at the hospital to help offer experience, courage and strength to breast cancer survivors.