Amita Piyush Motwani, Mrs India International 2013 addresses Breast Cancer Support Group

Anyone living with a history of breast cancer, from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life, is a breast cancer survivor. There are several million Indians living with and beyond a diagnosis of breast cancer. Major advances in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment have resulted in longer survival, and therefore, a growing number of breast cancer survivors.

Cancer does not just affect the body. It affects the mind body and soul too. Just treating the physical being does not complete cancer treatment I have seen breast cancer at very close quarters when my mother was diagnosed with it precisely 10 years ago in 2002. Having practiced exclusively the art & science of breast surgery for many years both in the United Kingdom and India, I have seen many ordinary women become extraordinary because they refuse to succumb to breast cancer — my mother is one of them.

ASHA', a Breast Cancer support group was established by Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation in Feb 2009. Although there are Cancer support groups across the country, this is the very FIRST dedicated Breast cancer support group in Andhra Pradesh and perhaps one amongst the very few in the Indian subcontinent that has been conceived, designed and established by a breast cancer 'conqueror' — Dr Ushalakshmi, a well known Obstetrician & Gynaecologist from Hyderabad.

Padmasree awardee Dr Ananada Shankar Jayant, an accomplished classical dancer and breast cancer 'conqueror' is the convener of ASHA. Over the past FOUR years, the support group has been providing psychological and emotional assistance to patients and their families who have been through breast cancer. The focus of the Group has been to help, assist & facilitate in rehabilitate women who have been through tough times and help them return to a normal life. Dr Ananda Shankar stated that Breast Cancer was an 'unwelcome visitor' in her life and proudly stated that she emerged a 'conqueror' as a result of the elaborate Counseling that she received from Dr Raghu Ram and her family.

Breast Cancer survivors, caregivers, family members, friends and healthcare professionals must unite to show that life after a cancer diagnosis can be meaningful and productive. Knowledge, hope and inspiration can help beat breast cancer. And that is the key message that was conveyed by the Guest of honor Amita Piyush Motwani during her address to breast cancer survivors and their families at KIMS-USHALAKSHMI Centre for Breast Diseases.