Hyderabad Event Empowers Women with Vital Breast Cancer Insights

On an engaging evening in Hyderabad, leading medical professionals gathered to address critical issues surrounding breast cancer at the event titled “Busting Myths, Saving Lives.” Hosted by Wellness Bzaar at The Quorum in Sattva Knowledge City, the occasion marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a focus on empowering women through knowledge and proactive health practices.

The event, conceptualized by Wellness Bzaar founders Puja Khan, Raghu Vamshi Reddy, and Kashif Ali Khan, aimed to bridge the gap between awareness and action. The session emphasized early detection and informed choices, crucial elements in saving lives. Partners included Mahavir Motors, IDFC Bank, and Cantel Medical Diagnostics, which is pioneering India’s first microRNA-based blood test for breast cancer screening.

Medical Insights and Community Engagement

Dr. P. Raghu Ram, a Padma Shri awardee and Founding Director of the KIMS-USHALAKSHMI Centre for Breast Diseases, addressed prevalent misconceptions about breast cancer in India. He highlighted that while the disease is often associated with older women in Western countries, the majority of cases in India are diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60, with some affecting women as young as their 30s. Dr. Ram noted that breast cancer has become the most common cancer among Indian women, with over 60% of cases presenting at advanced stages due to a lack of awareness and screening.

Reassuring attendees, he stated that nine out of ten breast lumps are non-cancerous. He emphasized the importance of the “Triple Assessment” in evaluating symptoms and cautioned against overestimating hereditary risk, explaining that only 5-10% of cases are inherited. Dr. Ram expressed optimism about emerging technologies, such as liquid biopsy, for early detection, although he noted these methods are still in research phases.

Dr. Pratibha Narayan, an obstetrician and aesthetic reconstructive gynecologist, contributed valuable insights about lifestyle influences on breast health. She stressed the significance of stress management, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity in prevention. With compassion, she acknowledged the fear that accompanies cancer discussions, particularly regarding women’s health. “Conversations about breast health should begin with empathy, not fear,” she remarked, advocating for normalizing breast examinations as part of routine health checks.

Empowering Dialogue and Action

The event featured motivational speaker and fitness icon Dinaz Vervatwala as the moderator, who skillfully connected medical insights with personal narratives of resilience. Her dynamic approach created a relatable atmosphere for attendees. Smt. Renuka Chowdhury, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), served as Chief Guest and Fireside Moderator, urging women over 40 to prioritize annual screening mammograms. She dismissed concerns about radiation or pain associated with mammograms as unfounded and praised Dr. Ram for his nearly two-decade commitment to breast cancer advocacy through his charitable foundation.

A candid Q&A session followed, allowing participants from Hyderabad’s wellness community to share their experiences and gain actionable insights. Many attendees expressed that the event replaced fear with clarity and stigma with solidarity, transforming medical information into personal empowerment.

The evening concluded with a renewed sense of purpose, reinforcing Hyderabad’s role as a hub for progressive health awareness. The discussions transcended symbolic gestures, striving for a tangible impact that extends well beyond the confines of the event itself.