Raising Breast Cancer Awareness: Dr. Sriya Reddy’s Initiative for Early Detection

by

in
October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. As breast cancer remains the most common cancer in women worldwide, early detection is key to saving lives. In support of this cause, Dr. Sriya Reddy, a highly experienced radiologist and owner of the Hoodi Orthopaedic and Radiology Center in Bangalore, has initiated a breast awareness camp at her clinic. With over 20 years of expertise, Dr. Reddy is passionate about educating women on the importance of early detection and how radiology plays a crucial role in breast health. In this interview, she shares her motivations, the significance of early diagnosis, and the services her clinic is offering during this important month.
1.What inspired you to start a breast awareness camp this October?
The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative (GBCI) in 2021 with the goal of reducing breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5% per year until 2040. This initiative aims to save 2.5 million lives by focusing on three key pillars: early detection, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive breast cancer management. Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness about this disease and its prevention.
As a radiologist with over 20 years of experience, I feel a deep connection to this initiative. At my clinic, Hoodi Orthopaedic and Radiology Center in Bangalore, I conduct regular ultrasound scans and have seen firsthand the importance of early detection. When breast cancer is caught in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year relative survival rate is 99%. This means there is tremendous hope if we can detect it early. With the resources I have, particularly ultrasound scanning, I wanted to contribute to this cause and help people detect breast cancer before it becomes life-threatening.
2.How important is early detection in breast cancer prevention?
Early detection is absolutely crucial. As mentioned, the five-year relative survival rate for breast cancer when caught in its earliest stages is 99%. Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, with around 2.3 million new cases each year. It accounts for one in eight cancer cases across both sexes and a quarter of all cancers in women. Unfortunately, 70% of breast cancer deaths occur in resource-constrained settings.
There are many barriers within the healthcare system, as well as patient-level factors such as a lack of awareness and knowledge, that contribute to low uptake of early detection services. As a result, breast cancer is often diagnosed at a later stage, leading to poorer outcomes. In these settings, breast cancer tends to affect a younger population, causing premature mortality and leaving behind maternal orphans. This is why creating awareness is so important—there is hope, but people need to be informed to take action early.
THERE IS HOPE!
3.Can you briefly explain the role of radiology in breast health?
Ultrasonography (US) is an indispensable tool in breast imaging and complements both x-ray mammography and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the breast. Advances in US technology have enabled us to confidently characterize both benign cysts and malignant solid masses. A deep understanding of current and emerging ultrasound technology, combined with meticulous scanning techniques, is critical for optimizing images and making accurate diagnoses.
Ultrasound is routinely used to guide breast biopsies and has also emerged as a supplemental screening tool for women with dense breasts or those with negative x-ray mammograms. The ability to synthesize ultrasound findings with other imaging modalities and clinical information allows for the best possible patient care.
4.What services are being offered during the camp at Hoodi Clinic?
At Hoodi Clinic, we offer sono-mammograms (ultrasound), which are non-invasive and free from radiation. This procedure is pain-free and easily accessible to women of all ages, including younger women under 40. In addition to early detection, sono-mammograms can also help in staging breast lesions, providing a comprehensive evaluation.
To promote awareness, we are reaching out to our patients via email and WhatsApp, as well as distributing pamphlets to family, friends, and doctors in our area. Our goal is to spread the message of early detection and encourage more women to take action for their breast health.
5.How can women make breast health check-ups a regular part of their routine?
First, women should conduct a breast self-examination (BSE) once a month at home. This helps them familiarize themselves with the normal feel of their breasts so they can alert their doctor if they notice any changes. As the saying goes, “Feel for lumps, save your bumps.”
The next step is a clinical breast exam (CBE), where a physician or gynecologist performs a physical examination of the breasts during an annual check-up. They are trained to detect abnormalities or warning signs that may not be visible to the untrained eye.
Finally, women should get a mammogram—a specialized imaging technique that allows a radiologist to examine breast tissue for any signs of cancer. Mammograms can detect lumps before they can be felt by hand. Depending on the individual’s age, family history, and past screenings, a woman can opt for either a sono-mammogram or an x-ray mammogram.
For women with no family history of breast cancer or previous normal mammograms, a sono-mammogram every two years is sufficient.
The American Cancer Society recommends the following guidelines:
•Women aged 40 to 44 should have the option to start annual breast cancer screenings with mammograms.
•Women aged 45 to 54 should undergo mammograms every year.
•Women aged 55 and older can choose to have mammograms every two years, or continue with yearly screening.
•Mammograms should continue as long as a woman is in good health and expected to live for another 10 years or more.
By following these guidelines and staying vigilant, women can significantly reduce their risk of late-stage breast cancer.
www.hoodiclinic.in

The post Raising Breast Cancer Awareness: Dr. Sriya Reddy’s Initiative for Early Detection appeared first on Startup India Magazine.


Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *