KATHMANDU, Oct 24: Some five to seven thousand cases of breast cancer are reported in Nepal annually, according to experts working on breast cancer awareness programs.
During a function organized by Rose Foundation Nepal on Saturday, Dr Kapendra S Amatya said, “People have this notion that only women can get breast cancer, which isn't true. About one percent of our breast cancer patients are men.”
The foundation organized a walkathon 'Together for Hope' to commence this year's breast cancer awareness month. Apart from that, the walkathon was aimed at spreading awareness on self examination of breast cancer. Students, media representatives, bank employers, breast cancer doctors, Nepali actors and singers, and many more actively participated in the walkathon.
During the function, a team of doctors from Nepal Cancer Hospital held talks on various aspects of cancer. They said people are now more open to talk about breast cancer as compared to earlier days and credit goes to such campaigns that encourage people to do so.
Dr Sudip Shrestha, who addressed the gathering, said that the treatment of breast cancer is possible in Nepal. “It's sad to see that people have no faith in our medical system. I see people suggesting breast cancer patients to go to India for treatment,” he said. “Why go abroad and incur huge expenses when you can get excellent facilities in Nepal to treat any type of cancer?” he questioned.
Apart from interaction with cancer specialist doctors, the organizers also arranged musical performances and food and beverage stalls to attract more people.
Food stalls with catchy slogans like “Hungry? Eat for a cause” were displayed on one side of the ground inviting onlookers to taste their delicacies. Also on display were T-shirts with designs drawn by children diagnosed with cancer.
Satya Pradhan, advisor of Rose Foundation Nepal, said that people are contributing to this cause in whichever manner possible. “It is impressive that youngsters are taking more initiative for this cause. The foundation itself was founded by youngsters like them,” she added.
According to her, the foundation donates the funds raised from the event for cancer treatments of children and women patients who cannot afford treatment on their own. One of their priorities is Kanti Children's Hospital, where they have funded many cancer patients.
Debunking breast cancer myths
Sajana Lamichhane, an Ace Institute graduate, who was present during the event, said that she had also attended the first walkathon organized by the foundation in 2014. She felt that the event could have attracted more people if the organizers had advertised it more effectively.
“We see lots of political news doing rounds on TV, but there's very little coverage on such important cause like breast cancer awareness,” she said. She has been an active supporter of the foundation.
