October is ‘Breast Cancer Awareness’ month and here’s a hard fact to begin with- one out of every eight women in urban India faces the risk of contracting breast cancer. Like everything else about the United States that we’re trying to catch up with, we’re certainly getting close with regards to breast cancer. While their statistics have gone from bad to worse, the US will cope with the illness better than us. Do you know why? Apart from having better medical facilities, what the Americans have in their favour is an open dialogue about the disease and its diagnose. Not only does that allow early diagnosis but also sensitive ways to deal with the aftermath of cancer. We’re inching towards a more cancer-aware India, but there is something you and I can do to help.
Firstly, cancer patients need understanding, not sympathy. They’re not victims waiting to be rescued. They’re fighters. Encourage open discussions, ask your female friends to conduct regular self checks. Find means and ways to infuse confidence in those fighting the disease. Praise them, cherish them. And most importantly, accept them for who they are. Hairless or sans mammary glands, they are still as beautiful and stronger than ever.
Honour this month for the innumerable women who have shown us that not all superheroes wear capes. These campaign videos already are!
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