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Written By: Editorial Team | Published : February 4, 2019 12:50 PM IST
Cancer survivor Dimple Bawa believes that you can live life on your own terms even after cancer hits you.
Life is full of unexpected events but the most important thing is how you deal with the challenges that life throws at you and come out of it stronger than ever. It was April 2013. I was 32 back then, when I got an accidental hit on my left breast while walking on a busy street which I thought would heal on its own. However, even after a week the pain persisted and I realized that it s time to consult a doctor. I underwent various diagnostic tests--breast ultrasound, FNAC, and biopsy, and the reports came out positive for breast cancer stage 3B (triple negative). It had occupied more than half of the left breast. Triple negative is a variant that has a tendency to spread faster to other organs. It also does not respond to hormonal therapy and was in most likelihood inherited . It was difficult but I had to accept it and only by accepting I could move on from there, making myself physically and mentally strong to fight the. I was going to take control of my mind and to the best extent I could, of my body. Being strong is the only choice I made.
My journey
I underwent 6 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by mastectomy (surgical removal of a breast) of the affected breast and 25 sessions of radiation. After my first chemotherapy, the pain was unbearable and it made me think of my mother. Unfortunately, I lost her to the cancer in April 2007. I knew what I didn t have to do. In a way, my mother s situation taught me at least that. I began to understand the changes my body was going through and to prepare myself for each round of the treatment. I welcomed advice and tips from friends and family and incorporated them as best as I could.
Earlier, I refused to undergo BRCA testing (gene testing for breast cancer). This was way back in May 2013 as I wasn t ready for the outcome. I wanted to keep the focus on fighting breast cancer rather than worrying about the future reoccurrence or developing new cancers. However, after the strong recommendation of my doctors I underwent BRCA Testing in September 2016 which came out positive. I am the carrier of the BRCA1 gene and I have an 80 per cent possibility of getting a recurrence of cancer. Also, there is a 50 per cent chance that it can pass on to my daughter. I m aware I can t leave any stone unturned in order to keep cancer at bay.
My decision to spread awareness
I keep telling others not to be embarrassed to talk openly about cancer and health. I started a small support group with a primary focus to share knowledge and best practices to make the process of healing from cancer easier. I wanted to share my experience and feelings that helped me come out of cancer. When I was going through chemotherapy, I did some R&D about lifestyle changes and nutritional requirements. I realised that there were so many people looking out for such help and saw that support group was garnering enough attention. From there, stemmed the idea of a platform for all cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and doctors to come together, talk, support, encourage and inspire. I felt the need for a forum of for everyone to ask for and get answers, initiate discussions, and be part of a large group of like-minded people who believe like me that cancer need not take away one s will to live! Thus Cheers to Life Foundation was born. Since I had no formal business education, it was tough initially to figure out all the nuances of operating an organisation. A few of my friends and family joined me when I decided to build the organisation. There were a lot of challenges, but as they say, things always fall in place when you want them.
At Cheers to Life Foundation, we have a simple philosophy to offer support, love, and care Overcoming cancer Celebrating life! Our mission is to spread awareness about the prime causes of cancer and prevention. Apart from counselling cancer patients, we also guide caretakers and family members on how to take care of their loved ones. Currently, Cheers to Life Foundation is doing various engaging activities like awareness workshops and camps, counselling sessions for the patients and survivors, group events and programmes, etc.
The bane of stigma
I have observed that the fear of cancer diagnosis and stigma related to it kills more people than the cancer itself. Women till date hide their condition to avoid social rejection, as the disease is considered to be contagious. Cancer stigma can have widespread effects, influencing the behaviour and well-being of patients. Patients with lung cancer particularly feel stigmatised because of the association with a behaviour (smoking) that is perceived to be personally controllable. Patients with breast cancer feel social isolation as their confidence level goes down due to the change in their body image after undergoing mastectomy. Some women are afraid that cancer might affect their children too because no one would want to marry them. Some people also take cancer diagnosis as death sentence rather than just a disease.
During my counselling sessions, I come across various patients who have not revealed to anyone that they are battling cancer. Sometimes it happens so that they don't even inform their immediate family. This happens primarily because of a certain notion that has been attached to cancer in our society. Even in today's digital age people are relating cancer to superstition and the result of bad karma. Surprisingly, the stigma of cancer is not only prevalent in the weaker section of the community but also in the well educated section.
I came across numerous cases where patients didn't go for the treatment out of the sheer fear that their extended family will come to know about this fatal condition. However, there are other dimensions of cancer stigma, that associate a lot of guilt and shame with the condition. Public health education increasingly emphasizes the link between personal lifestyle and cancer risk, which may result in unintended negative social effects.
Awareness is freedom and prevention is power
Cancer is another disease, just like diabetes or hypertension. I struggle with the idea of erasing a stigma without empowering people with the truth about what the root causes of chronic diseases are. We need a complete psychological revolution, to erase the stigma around cancer. To all the cancer fighters and caregivers, I would say this: Equip yourself with the right knowledge because that is your biggest weapon in the fight against cancer.
Nutrition is one of the best weapons that can help you keep cancer at bay, though it doesn t guarantee cancer prevention. It might reduce your risk though. One should add more coloured fruits and vegetables to the daily diet, and other foods from plant sources such as whole grains and legumes. Avoid tobacco use, alcohol, processed animal meats, trans fats, sugar, and processed foods. Physical activity counts, too. Indulging in self care, keeping stress at bay, and getting adequate sleep can do wonders. Medicinal herbs and spices can also help. Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections too. Talk to your doctor and get vaccinated. Go for regular screenings and checkups.
