‘Engal Utsav’ Brings Together 250+ Breast Cancer Survivors in Chennai for Post-treatment Awareness

Chennai: Over 250 breast cancer survivors and their spouses came together for Engal Utsav – a Breast Cancer Survivor Day Celebration hosted by Chennai Breast Centre in collaboration with Sharana Breast Cancer Relief & Research Foundation. The event focused on raising awareness around survivorship, lifestyle changes, breast reconstruction, and insurance options, offering holistic support to enhance long-term recovery and well-being.

Held in Chennai, the initiative underscored the importance of post-treatment care and emotional resilience, while fostering a community of shared experiences and expert guidance.

Empowering Survivors Through Knowledge and Support

Dr. Selvi Radhakrishna, Director of Chennai Breast Centre and Founder of Sharana Breast Cancer Relief & Research Trust, described Engal Utsav as “a celebration of courage, compassion, and community.” She emphasized the need to address survivors’ concerns around relapse, financial planning, and restorative therapies through open dialogue and expert-led sessions.

The event featured insights from leading voices in healthcare:

• Dr. Sheela Nambiar, Consultant Obstetrician and Lifestyle Medicine expert, highlighted the role of nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and relationships in building long-term health. “Real strength lies in taking charge and becoming active participants in our healing journey,” she said.
• Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, spoke on the importance of breast reconstruction in emotional and physical recovery. He noted that while less than 1% of Indian women opt for reconstruction post-mastectomy, advanced microsurgical techniques now offer safe, natural outcomes with over 99.5% success rates.
• Dr. S. Prakash, former MD of Star Health Insurance, addressed the need for a more inclusive health insurance ecosystem. He called for greater transparency and stakeholder engagement to ensure coverage for individuals undergoing or recovering from illnesses like breast cancer.

A Call for Inclusive Care and Policy Reform

Speakers collectively advocated for integrating breast reconstruction into cancer care protocols, expanding surgeon training, and improving insurance literacy. The event also encouraged survivors to adopt lifestyle modifications and seek emotional support as part of their healing journey.

Engal Utsav reaffirmed Chennai Breast Centre’s commitment to survivor empowerment, community building, and advancing awareness around post-treatment care in India’s breast cancer landscape.