The alarming rise in the incidence of Breast cancer which is the number one cancer in the Indian population remains one of the most significant medical concerns. Women from all socio-economic strata of the Indian society are getting affected by this cancer. Approximately 1.5 lakh new breast cancer cases are detected every year. Lack of awareness, late-stage detection and poor medical treatment outcomes are significant contributors to the mortality associated with the disease. Prashanti Cancer Care Mission (PCCM)is a non-profit NGO established in 1996, that provides free or affordable diagnosis, medical treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy), patient support and rehabilitation to hundreds of cancer patients and their families. To fulfill the need for a dedicated breast unit in the city of Pune, PCCM has established Orchids Breast Health Clinic which has become a ‘Center of Affordable Excellence for Breast Care’.Over the decade, PCCM and OBHC has had the privilege of serving 30 thousand women annually in Pune and its surroundings through prevention campaigns, awareness talks, diagnostics, procedures , surgery , chemotherapy, genetic counseling and rehabilitation. PCCM has also established a Centre for Translational Cancer Research Training and Education to undertake Breast cancer research in the Indian context. During my 10 years as CEO of PCCM, I was able to have deep and intimate interactions with breast cancer patients. It was apparent that many disease affected women had virtually none or poor awareness about the disease prior to their diagnosis. This is perhaps identified as the single most important reason for breast cancer mortality. It is not often that women share their personal challenges in public for the benefit of others.
