‘Breast cancer is most common cancer among Indian women, but highly treatable if detected early’: Prof. Divya Dahiya

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The North News

Chandigarh, September 23

 “Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women, but highly treatable if detected early,” said Prof. Divya Dahiya, Head of the Division of Endocrine and Breast Surgery at PGIMER Chandigarh. She was addressing a public awareness forum organised under the national campaign “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan.” The event, held at the Surgery OPD, highlighted breast cancer prevention, early detection and timely treatment. Faculty members underscored that regular self-examination and screening are the strongest defences against the disease.

Prof. Dahiya pointed out a steady rise in admissions for breast surgery at PGIMER—223 cases in 2022, 269 in 2023 and 303 in 2024. “This increase is alarming. Awareness, timely screening and preventive practices are key to reducing this growing burden,” she said. Adding to this, Dr. Ishita Laroiya stressed that the campaign was about empowerment. “By equipping women with knowledge and tools for self-care—whether through breast self-examination, timely check-ups or preventive measures—we can reverse these numbers and ensure healthier families,” she said. The forum concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants discussed mammography, lifestyle changes and strategies for reducing risk.