The Department of General Surgery (Division of Endocrine & Breast Surgery Unit) at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, organized an impactful public awareness forum today under the national campaign “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan.” The initiative aimed to educate the community about breast cancer prevention, early detection, and timely treatment, highlighting PGIMER’s commitment to women’s health and family well-being.
The program, held at the Surgery OPD, featured insightful sessions by eminent faculty members who emphasized that early detection and regular screening are the most effective tools in the fight against breast cancer. Addressing the gathering, Prof. Divya Dahiya, Head, Division of Endocrine & Breast Surgery Unit, PGIMER, stated: “Breast cancer continues to be the most common cancer among women in India.
At PGIMER alone, admissions for breast surgery have increased from 223 cases in 2022 to 269 in 2023, and 303 in 2024. This steady rise is an alarming reminder of the growing burden. Yet, it is also one of the most treatable cancers when diagnosed at an early stage. Awareness, regular self-examination, and timely screening are the first steps toward saving lives.”
Adding to this, Dr. Ishita Laroiya remarked: “The essence of the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan is empowerment. By equipping women with knowledge and tools for self-care—be it breast self-examination, timely check-ups, or adopting preventive practices—we can reverse these rising numbers and ensure stronger, healthier families.”
The forum concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which participants actively engaged with experts on mammography, lifestyle modifications, and risk-reduction strategies. This initiative reinforces PGIMER’s unwavering commitment to raising awareness, promoting preventive practices, and ensuring timely treatment of breast cancer—an essential step toward building healthier women and stronger families.