Filtering by: India
Guest Lecture at St Johns Oncology Center, Bengaluru
Jun
19
5:10 PM17:10
IndiaOutreachJune2019, 2019, India

Guest Lecture at St Johns Oncology Center, Bengaluru

19th June, Invited as a Guest speaker at St Johns Oncology Center, St Johns Medical College Hospital, Koramangala, Bengaluru. Sincerely thankful to Mrs. Uma Pai, Breast Cancer survivor, to connect to Dr. Rakesh S. Ramesh who organized the session. We had great interactions meeting the research team and the Cancer registry team after. I was equally amazed to meet the research team Dr. Aruna and Annie working on Triple negative breast cancer projects. It was wonderful to learn about Aadhara (St Johns Breast Cancer support group) from Annie and the amazing work they have put in. It was great meeting Dr. Alina and Dr. Daney & thank you to all who attended the talk and your time. It's an honor to collaborate with Rakesh and his team. Thank you Ambili Santhosh, for connecting me to Mrs. Uma Pai-you rock Ambili!

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Mumbai
Aug
20
7:00 PM19:00
India, 2018

Mumbai

The power of network… my friend Mrs. Vidya Chandrasekhar, from USA, introduced me to her friend Mrs. Bindu Goyal from Mumbai who became a collaborator with BCH. Thank you so much Mrs. Chandrasekhar & Mrs. Goyal for all your help & support! Mrs. Goyal further interacted with Mrs. Archana Deshmukh who organized the event at Geeta Bhavan, Sunder Nagar, Malad (west), Mumbai. I have no words to express my thanks to Mrs. Deshmukh for all her sincere efforts & selfless gesture.

Special thanks to  Mrs. Manju Joshi, Yoga teacher, for her huge support. My heartfelt thanks to all who attended the session.

The presentation emphasized on the current scenario of Breast Cancer in India and what are the key factors causing late diagnosis. It was a very rewarding session, since there were many questions from the audience & lot of interactions.

I was so proud of Mrs. Manjit Kaur, who came forward after my presentation, speaking up about her condition for the first time, breaking the barrier of shyness & talking about her journey. Mrs. Kaur  was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer at the age of 43 in 2016. With the help & support of her loving husband, kids, parents, in-laws, members of her  joint family, her tremendous believe in God, and her own will power, she proudly is a survivor today. I cannot even express how happy I am today for Mrs. Manjit Kaur who has gathered the courage to come forward and now she is an inspiration for all the women & men with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Hats off to Mrs. Manjit Kaur – a Hero!! Interview with Mrs. Kaur and full story & family photos will be published on BCH website.

By Lopamudra Das Roy, Ph.D
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Kolkata
Aug
18
7:00 PM19:00
India, 2018

Kolkata

I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks  to Mrs. Sandhya Das who organized the event in Kolkata at her residence. I met Mrs. Das in US at her daughter Dr. Manali Das’s residence early this year and was sharing my work on Breast cancer awareness programs I was planning to conduct in India targeting embarrassment, taboo & ignorance. I was amazed to see the eagerness in Mrs. Das to help in spreading the word. Mrs. Das not only agreed to build the network but also organized the event in Kolkata, inviting her network of friends, family and neighbors. Hats off to Mrs. Das for her initiative and understanding the grimness of this disease. Thank you for your collaboration. I would also like to thank Mrs. Shompa and Mrs. Susmita Das for helping Mrs. Sandhya Das organize the event!

I am immensely thankful to Mrs. Simi Chakraborty, Mrs. Chandrani Dutta and Mrs. Kaushiki Chakraborty for making it to the event & supporting the cause, even though they had a very busy day. Cannot thank you all enough for being on the Connectors Committee of BCH!

My utmost thanks to Ms. Susmita Naha for coming to the event in-spite of her other commitments the same evening, so grateful for being on the connectors committee of BCH! Enormously appreciative of Mrs. Shilpi Gupta for coming,  even though it was not a convenient day/time for her… so nice of her!

By Lopamudra Das Roy, Ph.D
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Janata College, Kabuganj, Assam
Aug
16
6:30 PM18:30
India, 2018

Janata College, Kabuganj, Assam

http://janatacollege.in

I am so thankful to Dr. Shirtaz Begum, Assistant Prof. Dept. of Philosophy, for supporting the cause and inviting me to Janata College, Kabuganj, Assam, to talk on Breast Cancer Awareness, sincerely appreciate your thoughts & perspectives. Thanks to the Women’s cell, Janata College, Kabuganj for organizing the event. I am so thankful to Dr. Sima Ghosh, Associate Prof. & Head, Bengali Dept. and Mrs. Soma Bhattacharjee, Assistant Prof. & Head, Philosophy Dept., for giving me the long distance ride to the College & I thoroughly enjoyed the conversation on our way back & forth. I am so grateful to Dr. Sudipta Khersa, Assistant Prof. Bengali Dept., Dr. Usha Rani Sharma, Assistant Prof. Dept. of Manipuri and Dr. Munni Deb Mazumder, Assistant Prof. Dept of English & Ms. Gayotri Singha, Assistant Prof. Dept. of English  for their immense support & cooperation. My sincere thanks to the Principal, Sri. S.C Nath, for his words of encouragement and the honor. My heartfelt gratitude for the Faculties & Students who attended the session, for your kind presence & supporting the cause. Thanks to the young generation-student wing who helped organize the event along with the Faculties.

I was so enthralled to meet the students, so pleased to see their curiosity and desire to support the cause & spread the word of early detection by breaking the barrier of shyness.

Overall, a very fulfilling event, with faculties and students coming up with assurance that they will take the knowledge to their network of families, friends & society and help spread the message about early detection & convince others to come out of embarrassment & speak about Breast health.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Gurucharan College, Silchar, Assam
Aug
14
6:30 PM18:30
2018, India

Gurucharan College, Silchar, Assam

http://gurucharancollege.ac.in/homepage.html

I cannot express how happy I was to be invited to my own college from where I did my undergraduation (B.Sc Honors) to speak on “Sensitisation and Awareness on Breast Cancer and Taboos” organized by Kiron Sashi Women’s Cell (KSWC), G.C College. My heartfelt thanks for the honor, and all the time & efforts to organize. So thankful to my loving friend from Holy Cross School, Dr. Madhudeepa Dey, Lecturer & Guest Faculty, Assam for connecting with Dr. Madhumita Dey, President KSWC & Associate Prof. & Head, Botany Dept., who further supported the cause & invited me to come and present. Sincerely grateful Dr. Madhudeepa for your kind gesture. Sincerely appreciate the flawless execution of KSWC in organizing the seminar—Dr. Madhumita Dey, President KSWC & Associate Prof. & Head, Botany Dept; Dr. Ruma Paul, Secretary, KSWC & Associate Prof., Dept. of Economics; Dr. Debipreeta Dutta, Organizing Secretary of the cell & Assistant Prof. Dept. of Zoology. In addition, I am thankful to Rotaract club G.C college members, Ms. Ananya Dutta, Mr. Sawmitro Roy and others for coming forward to help.

Sincerely thankful to the Principal of G.C College, Dr. Bibhash Deb, for the honor & felicitation & his kind words. I was so delighted to meet Dr. Seba Roy, Associate Prof. & Head, Dept. of Zoology, and thankful to all the Faculties and Students for their gracious presence. Thank you Dr. Debipreeta Dutta for being as loving as before, taking me back to our College days together where you showered the same affection & love being one year senior to me.

I was so enchanted to meet the students of Zoology Department, so happy to see their interest and passion to contribute altruistically to this cause. Each student can take the message forward to their own network and I was so pleased to see the eagerness on their attitude and expressions.

Finally, it was a very nostalgic moment, same place, same department, same stairs I shared with my friends and/but today they were not here with me but I was beeming with pride and privilege to be sitting with the young enthusiastic generation… the future!!! Thank you all for making me feel at home once again!

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Gurdwara Outreach
Aug
14
10:30 AM10:30
India, 2018

Gurdwara Outreach

Blessed to be in Gurdwara! Thanks to Mr. Sandip Walia who reached out to me to conduct an awareness session in Gurdwara!

The event was organized by All Assam Sikh Youth Association (AASYA). Aasya is a youth body which comprises of both Boys and Girls wing. Aasya draws its inspiration from Sikh ideals of Sewa. Aasya is mainly focused on socio-cultural, educational, charitable evemts. Aasya regularly organizes Tree plantation drives to protect the environment. In addition, Aasya also organizes many sports and cultural activities. Aasya has been divided into five zones: Dibrugarh zone; Guwahati zone; Jorhat zone; Nagaon zone; North bank zone. Aasya Facebook page: www.facebook.com/aasyacb/ ; Twitter: www.twitter.com/aasyach/

I am so happy to be associated with Aasya and it would my privilege if we can together reach out to all zones of Aasya and their respective outreaches. Thank you so much Dimpa Kaur, Rameet Kaur, Kirandeep Kaur ad Simardeep Kaur from Aasya for coming forward to collaborate and take it forward about Breast Cancer awareness and the importance of early detection via the most simple screening processes. Sincerely appreciate the efforts of the President Mr. Mahinder Singh Khalsa, Mr. Prabhdeep Singh, Secretary and Mr Arvinder Pal Singh, Treasurer for all your work and amazing organization – AASYA.

The presentation focused on the important issues with Breast Cancer and emphasizing on early detetion which is the key via Breast self examination and other screening processes.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Anganwadi Outreach
Aug
13
10:30 AM10:30
2018, India

Anganwadi Outreach

Anganwadi workers & helpers from Borjalenga village and Silchar outskirts-rural sectors organized by Nivedita Nari Sangstha, Kabiuara, Meherpur, Silchar. Thanks to Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Mr. Rajkumar Kedia for his help in organizing.

My sincere and heartfelt thanks to Mr. Subir Roy, Planning and Development Officer and Mrs. Diba Roy, Secretary, Nivedita Nari Sangstha for understanding the importance of Breast Cancer awareness and organizing the program by bringing in the Anganwadi workers. I am extremely thankful to all the members & staffs who helped in organizing the event. Without you all, the outreach would not have been possible. Sincerely grateful to Ms. Anwara Begum Laskar (helper); Ms. Sumedha Choudhury (Project Manager); Ms.  Mahmuda Khanam Laskar (Worker); Ms. Urmi Biswas (Principal); Mrs. Sweety Das (Instructor); Mrs. Diba Roy (Secretary); Ms. Barsha Deb (Instructor); Mr. Subir Roy (Planning and Development Officer). Sincere thanks to Mrs. Kanchan Bhaya (Senior Process Consultant, TechnipFMC) for coming up and helping during the event.

Anganwadi is a type of rural child care centre in India. They were started by the Indian government in 1975 as part of the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program to combat child hunger and malnutrition. They help in providing basic education for children and enrolling women to undertake antenatal care. They are also responsible for immunization of children and pregnant women.

Extremely thankful to the Anganwadi workers and helpers from Borjalanga village & Silchar outskirt rural areas for coming in-spite of the difficult transport, distance & challenging hot weather. I had enormous rounds of interactions with Anganwadi workers and how they can collectively come together to support Breast Cancer awareness & explain Breast self examination since the Anganwadi workers have direct outreach to the rural sectors – mothers who bring their children to them, women undertaking antenatal care, and other women from various divisions. They have a great opportunity to take the message forward (I will guide them through & through) to the rural India.

The talk was recorded so that with new Anganwadi workers, the women are enriched about breast health and how they can save themselves by Breast self exam.

My heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Kanchan Bhaya (Senior Process Consultant, TechnipFMC), for always being my strength and support; most importantly, for believing in the cause and coming forward to spread the word by collaborating.

Most notably, I am so thankful to Mr. Subir Roy, Planning and Development Officer, Nibedita Nari Sangstha, for always supporting the cause, understanding the importance of Breast Cancer awareness and always sharing the important aspects of Breast Cancer Hub posts via his social media. Thank you Mr. Roy, for your immense support and collaboration!

To note, many women came forward with issues about Breast health, they themselves suffering or their families going through the same but not opening up or visiting doctors - they were not aware that lumps, discharges were signs & may be Breast cancer & could cause death. An immensely rewarding session, with many women speaking up about their concerns after my presentation.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Silchar Obstetric & Gynaecological Society
Aug
12
7:00 PM19:00
India, 2018

Silchar Obstetric & Gynaecological Society

The Silchar Obstetric & Gynaecological Society organized the event at Siva Sundari Narisikshasram & Ante-Natal Clinic, Silchar, Assam

My earnest thanks to Dr. Sarmistha Bhattacharya, Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynecologist, for believing in the cause and for taking the initiative and organizing the program so meticulously, inviting both the nurses and doctors.

 I was so honored that Dr. Bhattacharya invited Dr. Kumar Kanti Das (Dr. Lakhan Das), Director, Kalyani Hospital and Dr. Ravi Kannan, Director, Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre to chair the talk/session. It was a great feeling for me  to receive the words of encouragement and  positive feedback from Dr. Kannan and Dr. K. K Das, whose selfless service to mankind speaks no bounds. It was also my immense privilege to have Dr. Chandra Sekhar Das (my father), Retired HOD, Silchar Medical College, Dept of Pediatrics and now Senior Consultant to be present in the audience.

Thanks to Dr. Devanjana DuttaMajumdar, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynecologist, for the generous introduction and coming for the event in-spite of a challenging situation.

My sincere thanks to all the respected doctors who have supported my viewpoints on the low survival frequency of Breast cancer and have come forward to work together to resolve this very grim and critical issue. My sincere thanks to Dr. C. S Das, Dr. Sumit Das, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Silchar Medical College & Hospital and other pediatricians coming forward to working together since they have a huge exposure to mothers bringing their kids/babies. I would sincerely like to thank Dr. Sumit Das for his collaboration!

Thanks to Mr. Sawon Roy & his colleague for having the technical aspects taken care so nicely.

I am so privileged to have Dr. Bhattacharya as a collaborator. In my interview with Dr. Bhattacharya (to be published on BCH website),  she brought up a very important point - painless lumps felt by breast self exam need to be immediately checked since many times, women ignore the lumps thinking it is not causing any pain. Great insights from Dr. Bhattacharya and the  interview will be posted on BCH website!

After the session, it was great interacting with the nurses, and I am so happy to see the eagerness within them to take forward the message of Breast self exam, spread it out within their own networks! Overall, a very fruitful session with doctors and nurses.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Silchar Medical College, Department of Pathology
Aug
11
7:00 PM19:00
India, 2018

Silchar Medical College, Department of Pathology

http://smcassam.gov.in

Symposium on Breast Carcinoma in the Department of Pathology, Silchar Medical College, 11th August, 2018

It was my immense privilege to be invited by Dr. R. N. Chaubey, Prof & Head, Department of Pathology, Silchar Medical College to give a talk on Breast Carcinoma, special emphasis on Immunohistochemistry. All thanks to Dr. Monoj Kumar Deka, Associate Professor, Dept. of Pathology, Silchar Medical College and Consultant Pathologist at Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Silchar for his initiative and organizing the event. I am thankful to Dr. Kannan, Director, and Rajeev Kumar, Head & Scientist, Research Division, Cachar Cancer Hospital for introducing me to Dr. Deka who happened to be there at the same time when I went to meet Dr. Kannan in July 2018 at Cachar Cancer Hospital.

Thanks to Dr. Shah Alam Sheikh, Associate Professor and Dr. Momota Naiding, Associate Professor, Pathology Department for chairing the session.

I was so happy to see the interest and enthusiasm of the MD  (Post graduate) candidates in the department who came to attend the talk and the valuable interactions.

Thanks to Dr. Monoj Deka for coming forward to collaborate in research, and as he suggested, we explore the survival rate of these pathological remission cases and correlate with the grade, stage, hormonal status. I believe that it is very critical to understand the many aspects of Breast Cancer scenario in North East India and working together, we can come up with new interesting findings. Thanks again for your valuable collaboration!

I am also so glad that Dr. Momota Naiding, has also expressed her desire to collaborate so we can work together to explore various pathology related to Breast Carcinoma.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Assam University Outreach
Aug
9
10:30 AM10:30
India, 2018

Assam University Outreach

Assam University, A Central University (http://www.aus.ac.in/)

I was so honored to be invited by my Ph.D mentor, Professor. Sarbani Giri, Department of Life Science & Bioinformatics to give a talk on “ Awareness on Breast Cancer, Self Diagnosis, and its implications on Women Health”. My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Giri for supporting me and the cause and organizing the event. Thanks to Prof. Supriyo Chakravorty, Dean, School of Life Sciences for gracing the occasion. I am sincerely thankful to Dr. Anirudha Giri, Professor, Dept. of Life Science and all the other Faculties, Students and Staffs from AU for joining the event & believing in the cause. I was so delighted to see my Professor from G. C College, Dr. Mitra Dey, who is now Professor at Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, attending the session.

Most importantly, I was speechless by the Research Scholars of the Department of Life Sciences, who have come forward to collaborate and take the message forward in their own provinces they come from. I am so proud of the young generation and their selfless gesture supporting the cause and coming together….My heartflet thanks to Ms. Malaya Ghosh, Ms. Pimily Langthasa, Ms. Puja Upadhaya, Ms. Sweety Nath Barbhuiya, Mr. Dharmesh Barhoi, Ms. Aparajita Das, Ms. Krishna Bhuiya, Ms. Mandira Lohar, Dr. Supriya Singh, Mr. Indranil Das, Mr. Arabinda Patar, Ms. Nijira Brahma, to name a few.

Finally, I am so thankful to Dr. Sarbani Giri for discussing the current scenario about Breast Cancer in India and bringing in very important facts. I always look upto Dr. Giri as my mentor and I feel so blessed today to get her viewpoints on this critical situation. Interview to be posted on BCH website.

By Lopamudra Das Roy, Ph.D
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Dharmanagar Outreach, Tripura State
Aug
8
2:00 PM14:00
India, 2018

Dharmanagar Outreach, Tripura State

On 8th August 2018, I started early morning for Dharmagar by road, ~4.5 hours to reach Dharmanagar and ~5.5 hours to head back to Silchar on the same night. Sincerely thankful to Ms. Shilpi Roy from Blind and Handicapped association, with whom I coordinated and who helped me to do the outreach in Dharmanagar. Sincerely grateful to Mr. Tapan Kumar Bhattacharjee, Secretary of Blind and Handicapped association and all the members who came forward, organized such a wonderful event and also coming forward for collaboration. Blind and handicapped association NGO is working on Key Issues of Children, Differently Abled, Education & Literacy, Environment & Forests, Right to Information & Advocacy, Rural Development & Poverty Alleviation, Vocational Training, Women's Development & Empowerment. It is an honor to be associated so they can now take the messages forward!

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Sri Sarada Sangha, Nutan Patty, Silchar Branch
Aug
7
7:00 PM19:00
India, 2018

Sri Sarada Sangha, Nutan Patty, Silchar Branch

My sincere gratitude to the organizing committee of Sri Sarada Sangha Silchar Branch, for supporting the cause. During my presentations, I always take a survey to get a pulse of how many women in the audience undergo early detection screening.  Mrs. Nibedita Chakraborty from Sarada Sangha came up and declared that she was undergoing screening tests since she is a Breast Cancer candidate diagnosed in December, 2016. I was so amazed, so willingly she agreed to speak about her journey and how due to her vigilance, she was diagnosed at Stage 1.

We had discussions on diet and lifestyle and also about many factors related to cancer and other diseases in general. Mostly, in all the sessions, I am trying to emphasize on avoiding intake of certain products, people in NE India usually consume and that acts as carcinogen.

Extremely thankful to everyone for your interests and all the respected women present in the audience giving  me the assurance that from now onwards, they will take care of their breast health and perform breast self exam religiously and also other screening processes when needed.

By Lopamudra Das Roy, Ph.D
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Cachar College, Silchar, Assam
Aug
7
11:00 AM11:00
2018, India

Cachar College, Silchar, Assam

Cachar College (http://www.cacharcollege.ac.in/) Sessions 1 & 2:

My greatest gratitude for Dr. Anitya Binode Deb, Principal-in-charge, Cachar College, who took tremendous initiative in conducting two events on 7th August, 2018. Dr. Deb and I connected many months back (post October 2017) and I was so amazed by his thoughts and was thankful to him for understanding the critical situation about Breast Cancer in India, supporting the cause and  inviting me to come and address.

The first session from 11 AM was addressed for the students of Cachar College and the second Event from 1:30 PM onwards for the Faculty & Staffs. My utmost thanks to Mr. Joydeep Biswas, Associate Professor, Department of Economics & Head, Department of Statistics, Cachar College, an inspiration for everyone, for your huge support & generous introdcution. Finally, immensely thankful to Sucheta Women’s Cell Cachar College, Silchar, Assam for organizing both the events immaculately. Extremely thankful to Dr. Padmasree Chakrabarty, Associate Professor, Department of English and Secretary, on behalf of Sucheta Women’s Cell and Dr. Alshahiba Shamsuddin, Associate Professor & Head, Department of economics for coming forward to collaborate. Cachar college has adopted a remote village where they regularly conduct health camps and now we are collaborating to work on Breast Cancer Awareness in these areas.

I am so thankful to Dr. Alshahiba Shamsuddin, Associate Professor & Head, Department of economics, who has shown interest to penetrate into the few conservative societies never tapped before so we can collaborate and work together helping to break the stigma.

Extremely thankful to the Faculty and Students of Cachar College for your gracious presence and your interest and interactions. Breast Self exam printouts accepted very nicely by the young generation and Faculty. They will spread it in their respective households and network.

My heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Aparna Sutradhar, my dear friend from college & university, for coming for the event and meet me. It was such a great pleasure!

Also, thanks to Ms. Lipi Rongmei, Matron, Girls Common Room, Cachar College, who shared her own experience, how her niece lost the battle of Breast Cancer at very young age.

Finally, extremely thankful to Cachar College and Organizers for inviting print and press media coverage & bringing the issues into limelight. Thanks to Dainik Jugashanka (8th August, 2018) edition for covering the event and mentioning about the main issues on low survival with Breast Cancer in India that I discussed during my presentation. Also, thankful to Ishaan Bangla TV media for capturing the most important aspects that I am trying to bring forward about the situation of Breast Cancer in India & supporting the cause.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Katha Bikalpa Parivaar
Aug
5
6:30 PM18:30
2018, India

Katha Bikalpa Parivaar

Sincerely thankful to Mr. Kamal Chakraborty, an integral part of Katha Bikalpa Parivaar along with the vibrant, thoughtful young generation for organizing the Breast Cancer Awareness event on 5th August, 2018. It was so great meeting the full team who work like a family. I am amazed to see the tremendous efforts you all are putting into various aspects of the society at such young age... hats off to you all... Katha Bikalpa Parivaaar! 

Katha Bikalpa Parivar consider themselves as not a group or organization but their alternative family. They work on social issues that need attention. They organize “Good Touch, Bad Touch” programs, give food to the poor, needy people and give clothes to them. Katha Bikalpa Parivaar also provides books for children who cannot afford to purchase. They try to stand beside the people below poverty line, provide basic clothing to children and also their admission fees for schools.

What amazed me the most during my interactions with Katha Bikalpa Parivar is their work towards environment conservation… their focus on dismissing the usage of plastics, preserving greenery by doing plantations, are other ways they are contributing relentlessly towards the development of the society.

The talk was followed by question – answer session and interactions that took the discussions into various dimensions… loved each moment spent with them…. A memorable afternoon! Katha Bikalpa Parivaar has also come forward to collaborate on the cause of Breast Cancer, and I am so looking forward to work with the dedicated young generation.

My utmost thanks to the print media, Dainik Jugoshankho and Shamayik Prashanga for supporting the cause & writing about the important aspects on Breast Cancer awareness I am trying to emphasize on their edition on 6th August, 2018 and thanks to the organizers for inviting the press.

I was also so happy to see my friend from college Akshay Nunia who came to meet me during the event...thanks so much Akshay, so great meeting you!!!

So proud of the young minds of “Katha Bikalpa Parivaar” for thinking so highly about the society. I was so honored to be amidst Katha Bikalpa Parivaar.

By Lopamudra Das Roy, Ph.D
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Kumbha/Koomber Tea Estate, Udharband circle of Cachar district in Assam
Aug
3
2:30 PM14:30
India, 2018

Kumbha/Koomber Tea Estate, Udharband circle of Cachar district in Assam

My earnest thanks to Mr. Chitto Binode Deb, Proprietor, Devipore T.E

for his immense support and helping me to outreach in Kumbha/Koomber Tea Estate, Udharband circle of Cachar district in Assam. I am very thankful to Dr. Prosenjit Borah, Kumbha T.E Healthcare center, for organizing the event.

Mr. Deb introduced me to Ms. Beauty Malakar, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) who was with me all throughout, learned the process of Breast self exam and also took the responsibility of reaching out to others in the village. She also took the accountability of helping the villagers if they came up with Breast abnormalities and giving them directions where to go next.  I met Dr. Prosenjit Borah, Medical officer at Kumbha T.E who volunteered to use the Breast self exam cards in local languages at their Health care center from now on and to give out the BSE cards to the local village communities. I also met nurses who showed immense interest and from now onwards will ask women & men  about their breast health and also give out free BSE cards.

The outreach in Kumbha/Koomber T.E was very satisfying with  interactions after. Each and everything I explained was new to them, so the session was impactful, and the response was very positive.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Devipore Tea Estate, Cachar District, Assam Outreach
Aug
3
2:00 PM14:00
India, 2018

Devipore Tea Estate, Cachar District, Assam Outreach

My earnest regards and thanks to Mr. Chitto Binode Deb, Proprietor, Devipore Tea Estate for his incredible help and support for the cause and outreach. Devipore tea estate is situated in the Southern part of Assam, India. He started this venture in the early 90’s with a view for satisfying his own passion and creating a platform for the localities to earn their daily bread and butter. Mr. Deb collaborated with BCH and volunteered in raising awareness within the community and society in local language, breaking social barriers and taboo. Because of Mr. Deb’s help, I could reach out to Devipore Tea Estate and created awareness about one’s breast health. Mr. Deb’s immense support for  BCH reflects his aspiration for service to common people. Mr. Deb has also helped me outreach in Kumbha Tea Estate, Udharband circle of Cachar district in Assam.

Mr. Deb introduced me to Ms. Beauty Malakar, Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANM) who was with me all throughout, learned the process of Breast self exam and also took the responsibility of reaching out to others in the village. She also took the accountability of helping the villagers if they came up with Breast abnormalities and giving them directions where to go next.  

The outreach in Devipore T.E was very satisfying with  interactions after. Each and everything I explained was new to them, so the session was impactful, and the response was very positive.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Rotary Club of Green Land Silchar: Silchar, Assam
Aug
2
11:30 AM11:30
India, 2018

Rotary Club of Green Land Silchar: Silchar, Assam

Sincerely grateful to Mrs. Madhumita Paul, President, Rotary Club of Green Land Silchar, for coming forward and organizing the awareness program. Thanks to Rotaract club of G.C College, Silchar and Rotaract Club of Women's college, Silchar for coming forward to support the cause!

The session went on very well, with audience very receptive and many interested to take the messages forward. Sincerely thankful to Mr. Sandip Singh Walia who came forward after the session and invited me for an event in the Sikh community on 14th August. Sincerely thankful to Ms Shatakshi Bhattacharjee and Mr. Ashim Bhattacharjee for supporting the cause!

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Honor Meeting Breast Cancer Survivors, Silchar, Assam
Aug
1
to Aug 7
India, 2018

Honor Meeting Breast Cancer Survivors, Silchar, Assam

1st, 4th, 6th and 7th August, 2018

Meetings and Interviews with Breast Cancer Advocates. Full stories, more photos of the advocates with their families,  and Interviews posted on BCH Page: “Our Heroes” where we honor our advocates!

I met each of the Breast Cancer Survivors/advocates for the first time but was so thankful for accepting me and giving me their stories with loads of love and affection!

Proudly present our Breast Cancer Survivors/patients from Silchar, Assam. I salute their enthusiasm, spirit, courage and willingness to share their stories. They are the Heroes and Inspiration for our conservative Indian society and for the people across the world! They spoke their hearts, so others learn from their experiences… My sincere thanks and gratitude for these amazing brave women who came forward breaking the taboo!

Interviews with the advocates to learn their journey  will be published on BCH website and FB page soon! Thanks to Mrs. Tomali and Shibani Brahmacharee, Mrs. Sieuli Baidya and Mrs. Simi Chakraborty for connecting me to the Breast Cancer advocates in Silchar!

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Jul
31
4:30 PM16:30
India, 2018

Hailakandi Outreach, Hailakandi district, Assam

Thanks to Mrs. Jhuma Das (who I met for the first time during the events at Karimganj) for coming forward and connecting with Hailakandi Innerwheel Club. Sincerely grateful to Mrs. Tanushree Chanda, President, Inner wheel Club for organizing the event. Thanks to Mr Alok Mahavir and Shankar Choudhury from Rotary Club of Hailakandi and the young youth of Rotaract club of Hailakandi for coming forward supporting the cause!

I am so thankful to Mrs. Tanushree Chanda, President Inner Wheel Club for coming forward to collaborate, joining hands with BCH to increase awareness in Hailakandi district. Also thankful to Mr. Shankar Choudhury, Secretary, Rotary Club of Hailakandi for supporting the cause and coming forward to collaborate.

It was great meeting everyone, the outreach covered people from all sectors and great interactions after the session. People present in the audience were unaware of many aspects of Breast cancer and when I took the survey, hardly anyone was performing screening like Breast self exam, clinical exam or mammogram/ultrasound.

From all the events I have been going since June 29th 2018, the data I am retrieving from baseline survey is that not even 1% of my outreach are performing Breast screening until they have an issue and it includes both urban and rural sectors.

Each event is becoming an eye-opener for many from the feedback/interactions after each session. Many were not aware that Breast Cancer is a life-threatening disease and is very common.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Karimganj Outreach, Karimganj district, Assam
Jul
28
to Jul 29
India, 2018

Karimganj Outreach, Karimganj district, Assam

  • Karimganj district, Assam (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Event 1: July 28th 2018:
First and foremost, thanks to my parents Dr. C. S Das, Mrs. Rita Das, my uncle Mr. K.S Das, aunt Mrs. Krishna Das and my sons Agastya L. Roy and Agneya L. Roy for accompanying me to Karimganj. I am so thankful to Dr. C.S Das (my father) for connecting me to Dr. Sabyasachi Roy and Mr. Anirban Dey who organized the awareness program on 28th July 2018 in association with Mind-Trek Academy. The event ended with rounds of interactions, women coming up with their concerns. Sincerely appreciate your efforts and supporting the cause! I am so thankful to Dr. Sabyasachi Roy, Associate Professor of Physics, Karimganj College and Mr. Anirban Dey for coming forward to collaborate, join hands with BCH to increase awareness on this health issue in Karimganj district. It was an honor and privilege to be together with my father Dr. C. S. Das, addressing the event.

Also, thankful to Dr. Sabyasachi Roy for inviting the media Prag News TV channel (thanks to Mr. Arup Roy from Prag News), where I could address the important topics related to Breast cancer screening- embarrassment & taboo, ignorance, dense breast issues, Breast self-examination for both women and men.

Event 2: July 29th 2018:
I am thankful to Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Barak Valley Branch, Silchar, Assam and IAP Karimganj branch, Assam, for inviting me to talk about Breast Cancer Awareness. Sincere thanks to Dr. Anjan Paul, President, IAP Silchar, Dr. Sadhan Roy, Secretary, IAP Silchar and Dr. Sitangshu Dam, IAP for supporting the cause, and organizing the event. The outreach had an audience of pediatricians along with others and it was my kind request to them if they could display Breast Self Exam cards in their respective clinics so that mothers who bring their babies and are on the waiting time, can visualize and learn. Also, it would be so beneficial if the pediatricians/their respected staffs could give out the Breast self exam handouts (local languages) to the moms, and other patient attendees visiting the them.

I could also reach out to many from urban and rural sectors in the same event and there were many interactions post the event where women came up with concerns about their breast health..

For each event I go to, I am taking a baseline survey if women perform breast self exams or go for regular screening processes without having any issues. The response is always “No” irrespective of socio economic status or education.

Karimganj network: I am sincerely thankful to Mrs. Shibani Brahmachari, Mrs. Tomali Brahmachari and Mr. Rajarshi Brahmachari for their warmth and affection. Sincerely appreciate the immense help from Mrs. Tomali and Shibani Brahmachari by connecting me to the Breast Cancer Survivors from Silchar – Mrs. Kalpana Chooudhury, Mrs. Supti Shyam and Mrs. Bithika Nag. Thanks to Mrs. Jhuma Das (who I met for the first time) for coming forward and connecting with Hailakandi Innerwheel Rotary Club and inviting for the outreach in Hailakandi.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

EVENT 1, organized by mind-trek academy

EVENT 2, Organized by Indian Academy of Pediatrics

Karimganj networK

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Rotary Club of Silchar
Jul
27
7:00 PM19:00
India, 2018

Rotary Club of Silchar

Sincerely grateful to Dr. Anjan Paul, and other members of rotary club of Silchar, for organizing the event. Thanks to the young youth of Rotaract club of Silchar and Rotaract club of G.C College for coming forward supporting the cause!

The outreach covered people from all sectors and great interactions after the session and many coming forward to take the messages forward in their respective areas via collaboration. People came forward to spread the words about breaking the taboo, knowledge about taking care of breast health and early screening process. So glad to see the response!

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Tupkhana village, Cachar district, Assam
Jul
25
2:30 PM14:30
India, 2018

Tupkhana village, Cachar district, Assam

I am thankful to Mrs. Sweety Das who connected me to Mrs. Shipra Das, Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM), Tupkhana who helped with the outreach. I am sincerely thankful to my uncle Mr. K.S Das for accompanying me and supporting me so much.

It was a unique experience meeting the women of Tupkhana village, a very conservative population. The Breast self exam handouts in local languages were very well accepted since it is free of cost and can be done at home. Most of the women I met could never afford to go to healthcare centers for regular Breast screenings after 40/50 years and when they got the BSE handouts, they were very happy. I made sure that if they feel any abnormalities or issues, they need to consult the nurse/ANM of the healthcare center in Tupkhana village who were present during the session. In future the ANMs will address Breast self examination process to the rest of Tupkhana population.  The outreach was fruitful. Post event, the same evening a family from Tupkhana came to meet me concerned about a member’s breast health and it was really a serious issue. I was so glad they came forward.

Overall, tapping into a very conservative area like Tupkhana, the response was very positive. Even the most conservative population when explained, understand and try to come out of shyness when they know that Breast Cancer can cost life!

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Jul
20
7:30 PM19:30
2018, India

Dibrugarh Outreach

I started from Tinsukia by road to Dibrugarh on 20th July 2018 early morning for three events. I am sincerely thankful to Mr. Bhaska Bhuyan, Station Coordinator, for supporting the cause and inviting me to Radio Brahmaputra 90.4 FM on 20th July 2018.

On my way to Dibrugarh from Tinsukia, stopped at Boekel TE for a very short time and met with few women working in Tea Garden.

Event 1: 9 AM: C-NES (Boat Clinics) Dibrugarh and Radio Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh: I am so thankful to C-NES Guwahati team for connecting me to Dibrugarh team. Mrs. Bhaswati Khaund Goswami connected me to Mr. Arup Saikia, DPO, Boat Clinics and Mr. Bhaskar Bhuyan, Station Coordinator, from radio Brahmaputra. Sincere thanks to Mr. Saikia for organizing the event in Dibrugarh C-NES.  I reached C-NES Dibrugarh on 20th July, 2018 and did my presentation. I was so glad to see the positivity and acceptance from the team. We had a great interactive session after, where Dr. Juganta Kumar Deori, MO, Boat Clinics, shared his experiences that I captured as a video to be published on Breast Cancer Hub website so that people understand the scenario of Breast Cancer taboo and real life stories will help to break the taboo! I am so thankful to Dr. Deori for coming forward to share his family’s journey! It was a pleasure meeting Ms. Nandita Kalita, Ms. Damayanti Das, Ms. Devarani Deori, Dr. Bhaben Chandra Bora, MO;  Mr. Arup Saikia, Mr. Siddhanath Gogoi, Mr. Ramakant Yadav, Mr. Rakesh Doley, Mr. Bhaskarjyoti Bhuyan and Mr. Dipankar Bird Chonre. Mrs. Damayanti Das also came forward and discussed the issues with embarrassment & ignorance regarding Breast Cancer.

I am sincerely thankful to Mr. Bhaskar Bhuyan for supporting the cause and inviting me to Radio Brahmaputra 90.4 FM on 20th July 2018. My primary focus was targeting embarrassment, taboo, ignorance and bringing Breast self exam (how to perform) process in both women and men into picture. If the public are reinforced about the importance of taking care of Breast Health, then we can decrease the mortality rate from Breast Cancer specially in NE India. Radio Brahmaputra can play a huge role and I can keep sending brief talks for future deliveries that might be helpful to combat the critical situation with Breast Cancer in NE India. Thanks to Mr. Bhaskar Bhuyan for his collaboration.

My sincere thanks to Mr. Arup Saikia for DPO, Boat Clinics for collaboration. I am so honored and happy to collaborate with C-NES! We would also like to build the collaborative project as an epidemiological research study along with awareness & education!

Event 2:  11 AM: Pratishruti Cancer and Palliative Care Society and Mahila Samiti: My sincere thanks to Dr. Gayatri Gogoi, Assistant Professor of Pathology, Cancer Researcher Nodal Officer, Assam Medical College for connecting with Dr. Gourangie Gogoi, Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Assam Medical College for the event. Sincerely grateful to members of Pratishruti Cancer and Palliative Care Society, Dibrugarh  and Dibrugarh Mahila Samiti for coming forward to organize the event. Thanks to Mrs. Dipali Saikia, Vice President, Pratishruti, General Secretary, Mahila Samiti; Ms. Panna Bharali, Joint Secretary, Pratishruti for your cooperation and support! My earnest gratitude for Mr. Bharat Khaund, Retired Principal, Jhanji Higher Secondary School in Sivasagar, currently settled in Dibrugarh, for his immense help by connecting me to Dr. Gayatri Gogoi. It was a pleasure meeting the wonderful family of  Mr. Khaund, his wife Mrs. Manju Khaund and son Mr. Subrat Khaund. Sincerely thankful to Mrs. Mrs. Susmita Baruah for connecting me to Mr. Bharat Khaund.

During my outreach, I met Mrs. Mrinalini Neog, Breast Cancer Survivor, Diagnosed at Stage III. I am so proud of Mrs. Neog for not hesitating to speak about her story. Mrs. Mrinalini Neog’s journey and interview is posted on Breast Cancer Hub website.

It was an honor to meet Ms. Panna Bharali, Breast Cancer Survivor, (Triple negative Breast cancer, BRCA1 mutation). I am so thankful to Panna since it is so difficult to find Breast Cancer Survivors in India who speak about their journey… Panna is not embarrassed and shy to speak about her story!! So proud of Panna! Panna’s journey and interview is posted on Breast Cancer Hub website! Panna is thankful to Dr Gogoi for giving her the strength during her journey.

I am also thankful to Mrs. Deepali Saikia for bringing out the current scenario of Breast Cancer related to embarrassment and taboo. Interview on BCH website.

Research Collaboration: My utmost thanks to Dr. Gayatri Gogoi and Dr. Gourangie Gogoi for their  collaboration on research.

Event 3: Indian Council of Medical Resaearch, Dibrugarh, 6 PM onwards: My sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dr. H. K Das, Assistant Director (Public Health), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) RMRC, NE Region, MoHFW, Govt of India, Dibrugarh, Assam for inviting me to present. Thank you Dr. Das for supporting the cause and your collaboration for research. I am so excited and looking forward to working together not only on awareness but also on Research. It was a pleasure and honor meeting Dr. J. Mahanta, Emeritus Scientist; Dr. D. K. Narain, Director and great interactive session after the talk. I was very happy to interact with other scientists present and my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Biswajit Borkakoti, Scientist – E, Division of Virology for coming forward and sharing his personal story about Breast Cancer in his family and how his mother didn’t mention to him initially. Now Dr. Borkakoti’s mother is a survivor and inspiring other women fight the disease. Interview with Dr. Borkakoti to be published on BCH website.

Overview: The Dibrugarh outreach gave me diverse experience. Through C-NES (Boat Clinics), Dibrugarh and Radio Brahmaputra, Dibrugarh; the outreach would reach the remote islands where access is minimal. The interactive sessions after my presentations were very helpful! Women spoke to me about the issues with their Breast health. I met the members of Pratishruti and Mahila Samiti, and interviewed Ms. Panna Bharali and Mrs. Mrinalini Neog (Breast Cancer Survivors). I am so thankful to Dr. Juganta Kumar Deori from Boat Clinics and Dr. Biswajit Borkakoti from ICMR for sharing the stories of their family members afflicted with Breast Cancer. All interviews will be published on BCH website.

My sincere thanks to Gayatri Gogoi, Dr. Gourangie Gogoi from Assam Medical College; Dr. Dr. H. K Das from ICMR; Mr. Arup Saikia and Mr. Bhaskar Bhuyan from Boat Clinics and Radio Brahmaputra respectively for collaboration on Breast Cancer Research, awareness & education.

My utmost thanks to Mrs. Sandhya Sen (my maternal Grandma’s sister), Mrs. Soma Sen and Mr. Soumitra Sen for lunch in their home and their immense heartfelt warmth and hospitality. Will carry the remembrances forward!

Finally, a big thank you to Dr. Dilip Kumar Patgiri, Retired Vice Principal, Assam Medical College, Independent Practicing Pediatrician; Mrs. Susama Patgiri; Dr. Saurav Jyoti Patgiri, Scientist C, ICMR; Dr. Aditee Deuri Bharali, Dental surgeon, Sanjivani hospital for the accommodation at night and for all your love and affection!! I am sincerely thankful to Dr. Dilip Kumar Patgiri for his collaboration to take it forward via discussing and providing counseling to mothers on Breast Cancer awareness.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

Radio Brahmaputra

CNES (Boat Clinics) Dibrugarh

Pratishruti Cancer & Palliative Care Society & Mahila Samiti

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

Dibrugarh network

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Duliajan, Assam Outreach
Jul
19
3:00 PM15:00
India, 2018

Duliajan, Assam Outreach

I started from Tinsukia by road to Duliajan on 19th July 2018 for three events and headed back to Tinsukia on the same night after the events. I am extremely thankful to the print media – Niyomiya Barta newspaper, 22nd July, 2018 for covering the three events in Duliajan highlighting the importance of Breast Health and Early detection. Thanks to the organizers for inviting the press.

My sincere thanks to Mrs. Priyadarshini Dutta for connecting me to Mr. Bikramaditya Dutta Borkakoty, Reporter, Member of Nature’s Beacon! I cannot thank Mr. Bikramaditya enough for coordinating with me all throughout, reaching out to many diverse organizations and helping organize three successful events in Duliajan on 19th July. Will always remember the selfless gesture of Bikramaditya and all his time, and hard work and collaboration!

Event 1

10:30 AM: In association with Mr. Bikramaditya, Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre, Duliajan organized the event for the parents of  Cerebral Palsy children. I am so thankful to Mr. Joyprakash Borpujari, Director; Mrs. Amiya Pathok Borpujari, Secretary & Principal; Mrs. Jyoti Sinha, Vice-Principal; Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre for coming forward, organizing the event in their Centre and also now being collaborators taking the messages forward. I am so honored to be now associated with Mrinaljyoti… amazed by the tremendous amount of support and help they are providing to the differently-able people. They are trying to improve the quality of life of special kids through treatment, care, rehabilitation and education. Their work is not only confined to these activities but also work against child violence and other social causes. Please visit their website to know more about their selfless work: http://www.mrinaljyotiassam.org/

Thankful to Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre for their collaboration with Breast Cancer Hub to generate awareness on Breast Cancer & why early detection is important!

Event 2

2 PM: In association with Mr. Bikramaditya, Forum of Women in Public Sector (WIPS), under the aegis of SCOPE, Oil India Limited Duliajan, organized the event where a group of nurses, doctors, women from all sectors were present. My sincere gratitude for Mrs. Sanchita Banerjee, General Manager, LPG, Oil India Limited, Duliajan and also the President & Coordinator of WIPS, for organizing the event, supporting the cause and your collaboration. I am so amazed by your passion to work for the society from all spheres. My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bimal Kumar Sarmah, Chief General Manager, Medical Service, Oil India Limited, Duliajan for helping organize the events and also for his collaboration. Dr. Sarmah’s social contribution towards society via various awareness programs is highly praiseworthy.   

Event 3

6 PM onwards: In association with Mr. Bikramaditya, Dr. Bimal Sarmah; Duliajan Rotary Club, Innerwheel Club, Lekhika Sanstha and  Lekhika Somaroh organized the Breast Cancer awareness program. I am so thankful to you all for supporting the cause and inviting me. Sincerely thankful to Dr. Bimal Sarmah, Mrs. Aimoni Das, President, Inner Wheel Rotary Club; Mrs. Rita Barooah, President, Lekhika Sanstha; Mrs. Kalpana Kachari Baruah, President, Lekhika Somaroh; Mrs. Modira Saikia Bhuyan, Computer Graphic Designer, Past President, Inner Wheel Club, Duliajan; Mr. Dhrubajyoti Bhuyan, Secretary of Rotary Club of Duliajan, Dr. Ajoy Kumar Sarma – MS Oil India Hospital; for coming together and organizing the event. So thankful to Mrs. Sapna Bordoloi, my friend from Charlotte, for being such an immense support & coming to the event with her mother-in-law. I would like to thank Mrs. Rita Barooah for your priceless gift… your precious penned words for me.. I am speechless, will carry your words with me forever..

Overview

With Mr. Bikramaditya’s sincerity, efforts and collaboration, three successful events were conducted in association with Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre, Forum of Women in Public Sector (WIPS), Duliajan Rotary Club, Innerwheel Club, Lekhika Sanstha and Lekhika Somaroh respectively. Great interactive sessions after presentations, and very fruitful outcomes. All the organizations have come forward to collaborate, will take the Breast cancer awareness program forward through Breast Cancer Hub. I am also planning to start training sessions once I am back to Charlotte, will work together so that we can penetrate in the mindset of women and help them come out of embarrassment and ignorance. Mrs. Rita Borooah, Poet, writer has given her consent to write about Breast Cancer awareness as we build materials.

Thanks to Dr. Bimal Sarmah; Mrs. Sanchita Banerjee, President, WIPS; Mrs. Rita Borooah, President, Lekhika Sanstha; Mrs. Modira Bhuyan, Inner Wheel Club; and Mr. Bikramaditya, Reporter for your collaboration and taking the messagse forward! My sincere thanks to Mr. Joyprakash Borpujari, Director; Mrs. Amiya Pathok Borpujari, Secretary & Principal; Mrs. Jyoti Sinha, Vice-Principal; Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre for your collaboration. Biographies of all collaborators will be available on Breast Cancer Hub website.

My utmost thanks to Dr. Ajoy Kumar Sarma – MS Oil India Hospital, Dr. Bandana Devi, Pathologist and Miss. Mahasweta Sarma for inviting me for lunch in their home and their immense heartfelt warmth and hospitality. Will carry the memories forward! Thanks to Dr. C.S Das (my father) for connecting me to Dr. Sarma.

Finally, a big thank you to Mr. Dilip Kumar Roy, Retired as Income Tax Inspector, Tinsukia; Mrs. Shibani Roy; Mrs. Deepshikha Roy, Ph.D; Mrs. Deepmala Roy, lawyer at Tinsukia district session court and Ms. Jyoti Shikha (3 years) for the accommodation after returning to Tinsukia at night and for all their love and affection!!

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

Mrinaljyoti Rehabilitation Centre, Duliajan

Forum of Women in Public Sector (WIPS)

LLekhika Sanstha & Somaroh, Rotary, Innerwheel

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Tinsukia and Digboi Outreach
Jul
18
12:30 PM12:30
India, 2018

Tinsukia and Digboi Outreach

My sincere gratitude to Assam talks, UA and Prag news for understanding the importance of the cause and interviewing me after the event where I emphasized to come out of stigma and taboo and discuss openly about Breast health before it is too late. In addition, I focused on the importance of early detection and explained the screening processes.

I am extremely thankful to the print media – The Sentinel Today, 19th July, 2018 and Assam Tribune, Dainik Assam, July 20th 2018 for highlighting the topic I emphasized the most “Stigma and taboo attached to Breast Cancer should be removed” and publishing in the respective newspapers.

Digboi Outreach

I left Sivasagar, early morning by road, headed to Digboi and met Mrs. Mridula Sutradhar who is collaborating with BCH, being a teacher at Balika Vidya Mandir, Govt. High School, Digboi, Mrs. Mridula would like to create awareness among her colleagues and acquaintances. It was great meeting Mrs. Pranati Roy, even at the age of 78, Mrs. Roy was immensely interested and learned about Breast self Exam and also mentioned that she would pass the information to her daughters-in-law & others (hats off to the positivity)!

Tinsukia outreach

I am so thankful to Dr. C.S. Das (my father) for connecting me to Dr. Kirti Dey because of whom I got connected to Indian Medial Association (IMA) Tinsukia and Aditya Diagnostics. I headed to Tinsukia from Digboi on the same day for two events organized by Indian Medical Association (IMA), Tinsukia and Aditya Diagnostics and Hospitals. During the afternoon event, several women organizations were invited. During the event at night, it was an outreach for mostly all members of Rotary club members and IMA doctors. Sincerely thankful to Dr. Kirti Dey, Founder, Dey’s nursing home, Past District Governor, Rotary District 3240; Dr. M.S Konwar, President IMA Tinsukia, Senior Pediatrician; Dr. Prasant Agarwal, State Joint Secretary, IMA, working at Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals; Dr Prerna Keshan, Obstetrician, infertility specialist, Aditya Diagnostics & Hospitals for organizing both the events.

Collaboration

Extremely grateful to Dr. Kriti Dey for coming forward to collaborate so the information can be passed on to his hospital outreach. I am also so happy and thankful to Dr. Pravakar Hazarika, Medical Officer, Pinewood Hospital, Tinsukia and to Dr. Rasmita Upadhyaya, MD Medicine, Consultant Physician in Tinsukia Apollo Clinic for their collaboration to distribute Breast self exam cards in local languages and organize occasional awareness camps in rural areas. In addition, Dr. M.S Konwar, President IMA, Tinsukia has also come forward to collaborate. Sincerely grateful to Ms. Moumita Saha, Teacher by profession, coming forward to collaborate and taking the cause forward!

My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Rishi Das, Retired Vice Principal, for all his support and help during the Tinsukia and Digboi outreach. Extremely grateful to Mrs. Subinita Dey, Past. Dist. Chairman, Inner Wheel Rotarian and Dr. Kirti Dey for the wonderful lunch with them on 18th July. My greatest thanks to Mr. Rajarshi Das and Mrs. Moumita Saha for the accommodation at night and for all their love and affection!

Overview: The Press and Media coverage in Tinsukia has helped me to reach out to the entire community (Thanks to the organizers for inviting Press). Many groups (IMA, Rotary), physicians, teachers have come forward to collaborate. The outreach was highly impactful!

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

Several Women Organizations, Tinsukia

Indian Medical Association, Tinsukia

Tinsukia Network

Digboi Network

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Amguri, Sivasagar District, Assam Outreach
Jul
17
11:00 AM11:00
India, 2018

Amguri, Sivasagar District, Assam Outreach

  • Amguri, Sivasagar District, Assam (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

On 17th July, 2018, I flew from Guwahati to Dibrugarh, and then headed by road for three hours to reach Amguri, Sivasagar. I am thankful to Mr. Diganta Borkakati, Co-Founder and Treasurer “Navayug” non-profit foundation for his collaboration when I reached out to him few months back from Charlotte. My earnest thanks to Mrs. Priyadarshini Dutta for connecting me to Mr. Diganta Borkakati, so thoughtful of Mrs. Dutta supporting the cause! My sincere thanks to the Navayug team for all your efforts in putting the event together so smoothly! My sincere thanks to Amguri Healthcare center for their immense support and helping in organizing the event in their Healthcare center,

My heartfelt thanks to the Navayug team for all your warmth and affection --  Mr. Lalit Konwar, Mr. Robin Gogoi, Mr. Hemanta Bhuyan, Mr. Hemanta Borkakoty, Mr. Prabal Jyoti Boruah, Mrs. Seema Saikia Borkakoty, Mrs. Anjana Hazarika, Mrs. Rimli Konwar, Mrs. Anshumala Dutta, Mrs. Monisha Sharma, Mr. Prodip Sharma, Mr. Diganta Borkakoti, and Mr. Raj Talukdar.

Navayug focuses on “Health & Family Welfare” and during my outreach, I realized that this is the first time a Breast cancer awareness program was held in Amguri and I am so thankful that because of Navayug, I could reach out to the people of Amguri.

My heartfelt thanks to my father, Dr. C.S Das for arranging the road transport and to Mr. Narayan Kanwar from Dibrugarh to drive me to all the places during my Upper Assam Outreach (17th July through 21st July) as I traveled on my own.

It was a pleasure meeting Dr Jitendra Nath Sharma Bordoloi, Retired HOD Microbiology, Assam Medical College and Mrs. Hiron Devi at Sivasagar! Cannot thank them enough for their love, affection and accommodation on 17th July night!

Overview: This was the first time a Breast Cancer Awareness program was held in a small town Amguri in Sivasagar district in Assam. I was so privileged to be able to conduct the program in collaboration with Navayug and couldn’t have done without Navayug’s immense efforts in organizing the event in Amguri Healthcare center. I received overwhelming response from people, especially women. Many women came forward to discuss their issues and realized how critical it was to take care of their Breast health. The acceptance of Breast self exam (BSE) cards in Assamese language was great. Women found the BSE cards to be very useful. A very fulfilling trip to Amguri! 

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Shillong, Meghalaya Outreach
Jul
16
1:00 AM01:00
India, 2018

Shillong, Meghalaya Outreach

I started from Guwahati, 16th July, 2018 morning on road for Shillong. I am thankful to Dr. Debashish Das, Founder, The Children’s Hospital, Shillong, also closely associated with Rotary Club, Shillong for his collaboration with Breast Cancer Hub, and in association with Inner Wheel club of Shillong, District 324  to organize the Breast Cancer Awareness event. I am thankful to Dr. Chandra Sekhar Das (my father) for connecting me to Dr. Debashish Das. We had groups of nurses from Shillong attending the session along with members of Inner wheel Rotary Club.

Extremely thankful to Dr. Neeti Singh; Ms. Shailja Saraogi; Mrs. Poonam Goenka, President, IWC;  Mrs, Anju Sabbarwal, Dr. Geeta Sarin, District ISO, IWC; Mrs. Seema Saraogi, Club Treasurer and Dr. Debashish Das for supporting the cause and arranging the event.

My sincere gratitude to Dr. C. S. Das for arranging my road transport for Guwahati, Shillong and Upper Assam outreach. My utmost thanks to Mr. Pravin Kalita, from Guwahati for driving me to all the places in Guwahati and Shillong.

It was also a pleasure meeting Dr. Debashish Das’s wonderful family, Dr. Das’s wife Mrs. Charis; His daughter Shania and Dr. Das’s mother Mrs. Prativa Das

My heartfelt thanks to Mr. Pratik Sengupta, Mrs. Mousumi Sengupta, Ms. Mishika Sengupta for all of their warmth, affection and accommodation after I returned to Guwahati from Shillong after the event on 16th July night.

Finally, I am so happy and thankful to Mrs. Geeta Sarin, Ph.D, District ISO, Inner Wheel Club, Shillong, for taking up this project and collaborating to spread the message not only in her City but all the 25 Clubs across North East India. 

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Guwahati Outreach
Jul
12
to Jul 15
2018, India

Guwahati Outreach

  • Guwahati, Assam India (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Great response from all sectors and my utmost thanks to all the organizations coming forward to collaborate in Guwahati so that we can take the Awareness, Education and Research on Breast Cancer forward! Sincerely thankful for supporting the cause!

12th July, 2018, after reaching Guwahati, I headed to meet Mrs. Bhaswati Khaund Goswami, Communication officer, Center for North East Studies and Policy Research(C-NES). The organization has been providing basic health care services to the flood vulnerable population living in the Brahmaputra islands, through specially developed boats popularly known as the "Ships of Hope in the valley of Floods" equipped with OPD, laboratories on board as well as pharmacies, to thirteen districts in Assam through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the National Health Mission (NHM), Government of Assam. The goal is to take sustained health care to lakhs of persons on the islands, with a special focus on women and children, who are the most vulnerable in difficult conditions (www.c-nes.org). We are collaborating & working together to spread breast cancer awareness & give the Breast self exam cards in the areas where C-NES work- among some of the most marginalized and vulnerable communities dwelling in the Brahmaputra river islands in Assam, India.

I was so amazed to know about Boat clinics and the tremendous amount of work they are doing to reach the islands where access is minimal. Excellent outreach and work and I am so honored and happy to collaborate with C-NES! We would also like to build the collaborative project  as an epidemiological research study along with awareness & education!

Sincerely thankful to Mrs. Susmita Baruah for connecting me to Mrs. Bhaswati Khaund.

Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute: My heartfelt thanks to Dr. Amal Chandra Kataki, Director, BBCI for inviting me as a Guest Faculty on 13th July and 14th July during two weeks summer training program on Cancer Registry and Epidemiology hands-on Training on Molecular Cancer Biology and Palliative Care. BCH has collaborated for research with Dr. Srabana M. Bhagabaty, Associate Professor, Preventive Oncology; Dr. Manigreeva Krishnatreya, Medical Officer, Cancer Registry and Epidemiology; Dr. Mouchumee Bhattacharyya, Additional Professor, Radiation Oncology and together we look forward to add value to the scientific grounds on Breast Cancer research in Assam. I am sincerely thankful for supporting the research cause and your collaboration. Dr. Kataki has supported the thoughts on Clinical Breast Exams and also giving out handouts on Breast Self Exams. I am sincerely thankful to Mr. Bibhuti Dutta, President Rotary Club of Guwahati for connecting me to Dr. Kataki. My utmost thanks to Mrs. Sapna Bordoloi for connecting me to Mr. Bibhuti Dutta. Cannot thank you both enough!

My sincere thanks to Bodhana, a non-profit foundation, for their collaboration and organizing events on 12th and 15th July. Thanks to Dr. Ishita Deb for connecting me to Bodhana. Bodhana offers young women the opportunity to make choices for their own health and dignity by improving access to women’s health education and affordable sanitary protection. Bodhana organized Breast Cancer Awareness & Education events in Sonapur, Guwahati and in the Prajapati Brahmakumari Center, Guwahati. I was astonished by the positive response after my presentation & the willingness to talk openly. The interaction sessions were very intense & fruitful. Many came up to me and mentioned about losing their moms and other family members and the cause reflected  the focus of my presentation - Embarrassment and taboo! Sincerely thankful to the founders of Bodhana, Mr. Nelson Deb, Mr. Shantanu Paul and Mr. Sandip Nath for their collaboration and supporting the cause! Bodhana will distribute free BSE cards and also talk about Breast health to areas of their outreach. Great initiative by the founders of Bodhana. I sincerely thank them for their selfless thought process.  

My utmost thanks to Mrs. Nandini Dutta, Counselling & Hand holding, Sanjeevani NGO. Thanks to Mr. Binoy Kr. Sarma for connecting me to Nandini Dutta.

I am also thankful to Mrs. Sonali Mazumdar, Founder, Nrityangan, Dr. Bimal Ch. Das, Associate Professor, Guwahati College, Ms. Meghna Das and Manjushree Das for coming forward to help spread the word about importance of Breast Health.

My greatest thanks to Mrs. Catherine Prentice, Cancer survivor - Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL), diagnosed at age 17 years, for sharing her brave journey, an inspiration for mankind, the way she fought cancer at such a young age and now more than 20 years survivor!

I am so thankful to Dr. Ishita Deb, Mr. Shantanu Paul, for my accommodation in their home in Guwahati and for all their love and affection!

An overview: Interactive sessions after my presentations were very helpful! Women spoke to me about the issues with their Breast health, they were unaware earlier that a small lump could become so dangerous if they kept quiet. Few women came to me and told me how their family members passed away from Breast cancer due to shyness and not disclosing to their own families! I was so glad because the same women who never spoke about their Breast health in front of their family members were now coming up and getting the courage because now they knew that shyness may cost their life and Breast is a part of our body and we need to break the society imposed taboo!

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy,
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

c-nes

Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Hospital

Event at Sonapur organized by Bodhana

Outreach at Prajapati Brahma Kumaris by Bodhana

Guwahati Network

My utmost thanks to my parents Dr. C. S. Das, Retired Professor & Head of Pediatrics, Silchar Medical College; Independent Practicing Pediatrician and my Mother Mrs. Rita Das, Secretary, Ladies Group Social Welfare Society for their immense supp…

My utmost thanks to my parents Dr. C. S. Das, Retired Professor & Head of Pediatrics, Silchar Medical College; Independent Practicing Pediatrician and my Mother Mrs. Rita Das, Secretary, Ladies Group Social Welfare Society for their immense support and cllaboration and most importantly for taking care of my sons (staying in Silchar during my outreach in other places) Agastya (8 years) and Agneya (7 years) during my outreach, when I am gone for days...

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Southern Assam Outreach
Jul
3
to Jul 10
India, 2018

Southern Assam Outreach

Meeting with network and collaborators, providing with materials, so they will take it forward. Also, collaborating for research!  We discussed and planned out future outreach events/presentations.

I am thankful to Mr. Vijendra Singh Rathore & Mrs. Anju Rathore from Rampore Tea Estate for helping me in the outreach, Shantanu Sutradhar (ASRA NGO) for collaboration, Mr. Dipankar Ghosh for inviting me for an interview and to Ms. Payel Deb & BTN TV channel for  the media coverage to spread the message, Mr. Virendra Jain for helping in outreach, Mr. Chitto Deb helping me relentlessly to organize programs in surrounding tea gardens, Dr. Anitya Deb helping connect me to Cachar College programs, Paromita Saha & Madhuleena Nath (teachers from Holy Cross School), Raja Roy, Ms. Sweety Das helping me connect for outreach. Sincerely thankful to Dr. Ravi Kannan for his tremendous support & collaboration from the beginning. Thanks to Dr. Rajeev Kumar from Cachar Cancer Hospital research division for his help & support with research collaboration. Thankful to Dr. Monoj Kumar Deka from Pathology department, Silchar Medical College for research collaboration. Thanks to Mrs. Shefalika Deb, nurse Rampur Tea for coming forward to support the women in the area with Breast self exam cards. My heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Poornima Koramodi, 42 yrs, Breast Cancer patient from Nazarband, Rampore tea estate for sharing her story. My sincere thanks to my Ph.D mentor Dr. Sarbani Giri for her support and helping organize an event in Assam University & encouragement all along

Disclosure: All photos posted on BCH Facebook page is with due respect and permission from the respective people in the photos, my heartfelt thanks to them for giving me the permission!

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

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Jul
2
to Aug 21
India, 2018

More India Outreach

My India outreach would not be complete if I don’t mention my father Dr. Chandra Sekhar Das, Retired Professor & Head of Pediatrics, Silchar Medical College; Independent Practicing Pediatrician & Senior Consultant. He has relentlessly served the society for over 47 years, his age not a barrier for him being a workaholic, and even today, he is trying to help me by being on the Medical Advisory Board & by reaching out to the mothers/attendants of his pediatric patients coming to him by handing out the Breast self exam cards (free of cost) in local languages. This will be a huge contribution since Dr. Das is trusted immensely by his patients and when he discusses with the parents, the cause will be taken very seriously and attendants (mostly mothers) will consider & implement the Breast self-exam cards given to them meticulously/religiously. In addition, thank you Dr. Das for your interview & outlooks, to be published on BCH website. So thankful to Mr. Karuna Das and Mrs. Barnali for helping Dr. Das in the outreach.

Sincerely thankful to Mr. Dipankar Ghosh, Officer, writer, anchor for his tremendous support for the cause & inviting me for an interview! Thanks to Mr. Ghosh and BTN TV channel, for inviting me and helping me to take the messages on Breast Cancer scenario (emphasizing on coming out of embarrassment & taboo) to the media & mass public! I was amazed by the thought process of Mr. Ghosh & how diligently he walked me through the interview covering all the important aspects I tried to translate to the public.  My sincere thanks to Ms. Payel Deb, Program in-charge, for your time and patience with the interview process and after!

I have no words to thank Mr. Rahul Chakraborty, Journalist, Dainik Jugasankha who invited me for an interview, took hours of his precious time to speak with me, understand my perspectives on why the survival of Breast cancer is significantly lower in India than the developed world, captured the issues of shyness, taboo & ignorance, issues with mammogram, & finally why I consider the Breast cancer advocates as my real strength and hero! Hats off to you, Mr. Chakraborty for your writeup, I am so honored and privileged from the bottom of my heart for considering me & my work, worth to be written about.

My earnest gratitude to Mr. Kumardeep Das, Senior Manager Engineering, Techzaar Consulting, for being on the Digital Technology Board of BCH & his enormous contribution in building the videos of the interviews for Breast Cancer Hub. Cannot thank you enough for your contribution for BCH from technology perspectives & for being a huge support & help in every areas from Day 1 of the inception of the foundation.

I am so grateful to Dr. Ruchira Das, Product Executive, Zuventus Healthcare, Mumbai, for being on the General Advisory Board of BCH & for building the network by spreading the messages of BCH on the issues of Breast Cancer through her own social media. So thoughtful of you Dr. Das & thank you again for being my immense strength & supporting the cause!

I couldn’t have completed the outreach without the support of my mother, Mrs. Rita Das, Secretary, Ladies Group Social Welfare Society, for taking care of my kids wholeheartedly, keeping herself away from the Workfront @outside home, so she could meticulously take care of Agastya & Agneya. In addition, I sincerely thank Mrs. Das for connecting me to other networks & her collaboration.

Cannot thank my paternal uncle, Mr. Kumud Shankar Das enough, who has been by my side being a great support for me and the cause and travelled with me to many places during the outreaches in Southern Assam & Tripura.

It was so great meeting Dr. Kumar Kanti Das (Dr. Lakhan Das), Director, Kalyani Hospital & so grateful to him for being on the Medical Advisory Board & for his valuable advice.

My heartfelt thanks to Mr. Virendra Jain, Avishek Printers & Publishers for coming forward to support the cause!  I am so amazed by his generosity by not charging me for the Breast self-exam printouts in Bengali & Hindi that I took in Silchar from Abhishek Printers in July-August, 2018… it was such a great help!

I am so privileged & thankful to have Dr. Afifa Kausa, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Zoology, A.D.P College, Nagaon, Assam, coming forward to collaborate by creating awareness among the rural and urban populace and also in conducting grass root level research regarding health status and occurrence among the people of Nagaon district.

My respect for Mrs. Sobhana Bhattacharjee & Dr. (Prof) Kamana Krishna Bhattacharjee knows no bounds, such an honor meeting them, talking to them & will always treasure their words of encouragement. Cannot express how happy I was to receive their blessings…

Extremely thankful to Dr. Jhimli Bhattacharjee, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Assam University for coming forward to collaborate and most importantly, supporting the cause!

Thank you Mr. Amit Das, Teacher, Ramanuj College, for all your support & being on the connectors committee.

Thank you Mrs. Mitali Das, District General Secretary, International Human Rights Association, India for your support for the cause and being on the connectors committee.

By Dr. Lopamudra Das Roy
Founder & President, Breast Cancer Hub

Dr. C.S Das, explaining the mothers of his pediatric patients at his clinic, about early detection of Breast Cancer!

Dr. Chandra Sekhar Das, Retired Professor & Head of Pediatrics, Silchar Medical College; Independent Practicing Pediatrician & Senior Consultant, explaining the mothers of his pediatric patients who come to him with their babies/kids at his clinic, about Breast self exam and educating them about early detection that can save life. Dr. Das is doing this as outreach in groups. Hats off to him for his continued service at the age of 72+.

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