Breast Friends Support Group
Breast Friends, a community that has gone from strangers to friends, was founded in 2010 by Dr Anupama Mane & Dr Shona Nag. It was created to address a crucial gap in the cancer care journey — the need for a safe, supportive space where patients and survivors could openly share their experiences, questions & concerns. Recognising that many individuals navigating a cancer diagnosis often lacked a platform for meaningful connection, the initiative was designed to foster a sense of mutual support.
The Breast Friends once was a calendar initiative — each month represented by a survivor or patient. In collaboration with the mental health department of Sahyadri Hospital, Pune, the Nag Foundation began organising monthly support group meetings that held sessions on coping with diagnosis through art & movement, discussions on survivorship — the new normal, addressing fears & concerns, etc. These support group meetings continue to be an integral part of the foundation’s core activities.
The Breast Friends once was a calendar initiative — each month represented by a survivor or patient. In collaboration with the mental health department of Sahyadri Hospital, Pune, the Nag Foundation began organising monthly support group meetings that held sessions on coping with diagnosis through art & movement, discussions on survivorship — the new normal, addressing fears & concerns, etc. These support group meetings continue to be an integral part of the foundation’s core activities.
Awareness And Screening Camps
Cancer is very much prevalent in the world, and especially so in India. It is one of the largest contributors to deaths in India, with about 2.2 million dying due to the disease. Indicators of cancer deaths reflect the lacunae in delivery systems, health communication, financial and service resources. These factors deter women from practising and seeking positive health care and accessing appropriate facilities.
One third of cancers can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes, while some can be screened early by certain health-seeking behaviours. Lack of awareness about cancer and unavailability of screening facilities are the leading causes of late diagnosis and subsequently poorer prognosis.
At the Nag Foundation, through our Awareness and Screening camps, we are making efforts to bridge this gap. Throughout the years, Nag Foundation has raised awareness through a plethora of mediums; through lectures and talks at various schools, corporate offices, villages, slums, jails, etc. and also by participating in and organising events like walkathons, runways, flashmobs, exhibitions, etc.
One third of cancers can be prevented by simple lifestyle changes, while some can be screened early by certain health-seeking behaviours. Lack of awareness about cancer and unavailability of screening facilities are the leading causes of late diagnosis and subsequently poorer prognosis.
At the Nag Foundation, through our Awareness and Screening camps, we are making efforts to bridge this gap. Throughout the years, Nag Foundation has raised awareness through a plethora of mediums; through lectures and talks at various schools, corporate offices, villages, slums, jails, etc. and also by participating in and organising events like walkathons, runways, flashmobs, exhibitions, etc.