Kulgam, Sept 10: A two-day seminar on breast cancer was held at Government Degree College (GDC) Kulgam, where experts said that self-breast examination is neither a taboo nor a stigma. They urged that girls should conduct the examination every month, after menstruation, for the early detection of breast cancer.
Experts said that early diagnosis can ensure a normal life. “This is not a taboo, this is not a stigma. Every month, after menstruation, self-examination must be done. After that, clinical breast examination follows,” they said. Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan, said the seminar was organized by GDC Kulgam in collaboration with GMC Baramulla and affiliated NRF institutes. “The basic aim is to raise awareness on breast cancer, especially among students, to highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and to keep an eye on early symptoms so that it is detected at the right time and stage,” he said.
He added that experts from AIIMS and GMC are providing vital information. “Unfortunately, detection often happens at stage 2 or stage 3. Very little detection occurs at the initial stages because people do not take it seriously. This workshop is about self-examination, clinical diagnosis, available treatment, and better awareness. It is a very good initiative,” he said. Dr. Muhammad Younis Shah, Professor of Medicine at Alfalah Medical College, Faridabad, said awareness begins with self-examination. “Every 20-year-old girl should examine herself. If the nipple is fine, there is no secretion, no lump, no unusual change, then she can identify if something is wrong. Early diagnosis ensures a normal life,” he said. He said that trained nurses and doctors are available for further examination if abnormalities are found. “But awareness is key. Diagnosis often comes late, and risk factors such as unhealthy food, lack of exercise, and obesity increase the chances of cancer,” Dr. Younis added. He said that there may be no visible symptoms initially, which makes regular self-checks vital. “If there is dimpling, puckering, redness, or a lump in the breast, it must be taken seriously. It can be cancer, or something else, but it needs medical attention,” he said. Prof Mohd Abass Shah, Principal GDC Kulgam said the seminar was jointly organized by the Departments of Biochemistry and Zoology in collaboration with GMC Baramulla. “More than 60 percent of our students are female. Keeping gender sensitivity in mind, we chose breast cancer as the theme. It is important that these students, who come from different areas, are made aware of early signs and preventive measures,” he said. He added that the rising cases of breast cancer in Jammu and Kashmir made the seminar crucial. “The most important thing is awareness. People must change their lifestyle and food habits, exercise regularly, and remain alert to early symptoms. Such initiatives can prove very helpful for society,” he said.
