With October being observed as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month the world over, Ivy Hospital, Mohali, too is pitching in to provide the campaign a boost.

Renowned cancer specialists of the hospital, including oncologist Dr Jatin Sarin and surgeon Dr Vijay Bansal, will impart free consultation to patients.

Medical tests, including mammography and FNAC, will be conducted free of cost, in special cases.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women. One out of every 22 women in India is diagnosed with the disease, but by 2015, one out of every 8 women will have chances of developing breast cancer. Mammograms and physical examinations can help early detection of breast cancer,” said a doctor.

Any woman above the age of 40 years and those with a family history of cancer must get themselves checked, doctors added.

Symptoms of breast cancer include increase in size and texture of any mole, any lump or discharge from breasts, post-menopausal bleeding and discharge.

Cancer awareness function at PGI
Former professor and Head of Department of Surgery at PGI, Dr S M Bose, is organising a function to spread cancer awareness in association with the Piya Sharma Foundation at PGI on Saturday. Dr Bose is also the president of the Chandigarh Surgical Society. The programme will include a public education lecture on cancer awareness and early diagnosis and a book release function of the Hindi and Punjabi versions of a booklet published by the National Book Trust of India. Cancer survivors will also share their experiences. Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Water Resources Pawan Kumar Bansal will be the chief guest while Preneet Kaur, Minister of State for External Affairs, will participate as the guest of honour and PGI Director Professor K K Talwar will preside over the function.