Surviving Breast CANCER

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Radha Balan, who has lived for the past 32 years in Dubai, never considered herself ignorant to the dangers of breast cancer - in fact, she used to do physical check-ups on herself whenever she remembered to.

But, it wasn’t until 2002 when the company she works for brought in a scheme outlining that every lady staff member above the age of 40 should go for a mammogram that Radha first even heard about the procedure.

“That was the first time I came to know about mammogram. When the technician did the first one, it was not clear. The doctor requested another test, and it was only on the seventh film that they found a spot right at the back of my breast,” says Radha.

“The doctor immediately told me to go to Doctor Houriya at Well Woman Clinic. Within one week Doctor Houriya did a biopsy, found it malignant and surgery was then quickly scheduled.

“It was only a small lump, but as it was detected in the earlier stage I am now a survivor leading a happy life. Who knows what would have happened if it was not for my company compelling me to go for the mammogram?”

Radha had to endure five sessions of chemotherapy and three weeks of radiation after her breast surgery. She was very scared and didn’t have her husband for support as he passed away in 1994. Luckily, Radha did have her two sons, who she says gave her the strength to face the world.

“During chemo, I lost my hair, eyebrows and my finger and toe nails became black, but still I used to go to work wearing a scarf and sometimes a wig. It has changed my life to a great extent,” says Radha.

But there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about with breast cancer, stresses Radha. “It is like any other sickness and needs proper medication. If detected early, the medication is mild compared to what must be endured if it is not checked.”

Radha understands only too well that women get disturbed at the thought of losing a breast and feeling that they might be losing their femininity, but she says many women go on to lead completely normal lives after surgery.

Having fought the disease and survived, what Radha feels is most important, is to spread awareness that it’s OK to speak about cancer.

“In the six years since I have been treated there have been a lot of things happening to help spread the awareness, but still there are people who are not coming forward to talk openly about cancer - be it breast cancer, cervical cancer, or any other type,” says Radha.

“People should not feel ashamed and share their experience with others and spread the awareness.”

Breast cancer month - Get involved
Click your support
Now in its 13th year, Burjuman’s Safe and Sound campaign is using the power of the internet to help spread awareness of breast cancer and the importance of early diagnosis, detection and treatment. The mall has launched an online pink ribbon campaign, where internet users are invited to visit www.safeandsound.ae to do their bit for the cause by adding some colour pink to an online ribbon.

It’s free and just takes a few clicks, but is an important step in the show of support for the disease. The campaign aims to attract a minimum of 250,000 people in the month of October.

The Pink Walkathon
On Friday, October 30, Burjuman will host the 6th annual Pink Walkathon, a 3.6km charity walk. Now’s your chance to help support this very worthy cause and raise funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. For information on how to register visit the Safe and Sound web site or call 04 352 0222.
It’s dhs50 for adults and dhs30 for children aged eight to 12. All proceeds from the Pink Walkathon will be collected by Red Crescent and used to generate awareness and education within the community, and support patient care.

Survivors Fashion Show
Don’t miss the Breast Cancer Survivors Fashion Show on October 23, at Burjuman, where breast cancer survivors will take to the ramp and celebrate their triumph over the disease. Visit the Safe and Sound web site for more information.

Think Pink
The Synergy Integrated Medical Centre is hosting numerous events in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On October 12, breast cancer patients are invited to attend a cancer support group at 7pm. On October 14, the clinic is hosting a presentation on ‘Alternative Cancer Treatments’ at 7pm, while on October 26 at 7pm, life coach Adriana MeBarr will give a talk on ‘The link between cancer and negative emotions’.

All events are free to attend. For more information visit www.synergyctrdubai.com or call 04 348 5452

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