The First Indian Breast Cancer Survivors conference held in 2010 was a result of a brainstorm, Dr Sudeep Gupta and Dr Shona Nag had over a cup of coffee. A conference that would address the needs of breast cancer survivors and give them a platform where their doubts, fears, problems, both physical and psychological, could be addressed, as well as an opportunity to connect with other survivors. A much-appreciated learning experience for outpatients, survivors and medical professionals.
The Second annual conference was held in Nashik, hosted by the Manavata Cancer Centre. The conference included a session for caregivers, which was much appreciated.
The Third conference was spearheaded by a committed group of survivors who planned the topic for the conference. One of the sessions, which was much appreciated, was the panel discussion that discussed the long and short-term side effects of cancer treatment. A short survey completed by the participants resulted in an abstract which was accepted as a poster presentation at the ASCO Survivorship conference.
The highlight of the Fourth conference was the inclusion of two specific issues: the role of genetics and sexuality in cancer. These topics addressed many doubts and questions that patients and survivors are often scared or embarrassed to ask.
The Fifth conference saw the first Patient Advocacy Meeting of various stakeholders in the field, from doctors, to NGO, to palliative care coordinators, to counsellors, to patients and caregivers, the first step to understanding patient concerns.
2017 saw the Sixth edition of the conference held in Nashik, with over 500 patients and survivors from different parts of western India in attendance. The highlight of this year’s conference was the exhibition showcasing the talents of the survivors and the Tree of Life, which was built with messages written by all the participants.
The Seventh Indian Breast Cancer Survivors conference discussed a lot of issues related to feelings. Survivors were open about their mental health, about coping with depression, and poor body image. Dr Shekar Salkar, who hosted the conference, surprised us with a Gala evening on a cruise boat, allowing all to bond with each other.
The Eighth conference touched on the topic of mental health, and interactive sessions were organised with discussions on coping with depression. A guided meditation gave a practical demonstration of how mindful meditation can truly help.
With the uncertainty of Covid 19, it was decided to limit the number of participants for the Ninth Indian Breast Cancer Survivors Conference. Patients who had taken treatment during the pandemic were invited. Again, we emphasised the importance of mental health and a practical art therapy session was organised to help patients experience the impact of design and colour to cope with distress. There was also a session on improving cognitive abilities.
The Tenth Indian Breast Cancer Survivors Conference saw attendance of patients and Survivors from Mumbai, Pune, and Nagar. Goa, Ranchi and Hyderabad were also represented by 3 survivors, who travelled specially to attend this conference. The conference was inaugurated by Dr Sudeep Gupta, Dr Shona Nag and Deveika Bhojwan, along with 2 survivors.
Panel discussions on Newer Treatments for Breast Cancer, Short-term and long-term side effects of treatment and Role of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Cancer were conducted and were helpful and informative.
The program comprised Genetic Aspects of Breast Cancer, Relationship and Intimacy, Newer Treatments of Breast Cancer, Discussing Breast Cancer Diagnosis with Children, Legal rights of Cancer Patients, Tackling Anxiety and Depression, Prevention and Management of Lymphoedema, Nutrition, Yoga and ended with an energetic and enthusiastic participant performance of music and dance movement activity.
Patients and survivors from Pune, Mumbai and Goa attended the Eleventh India Breast Cancer Survivors Conference. It was co-organised by Nag Foundation, Women’s Cancer Initiative – Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai and Gokarna Oncology Medical Trust, Goa.
It was a remarkably enlightening and useful conference for the survivors, with sessions that helped them understand and deal effectively with all aspects of survivorship. Sessions included talks on Recent Advances in the Medical Management of Breast Cancer, Mental Health, Genetics, Lymphedema, Exercise, Nutrition, Sexuality and Intimacy.
Panel Discussions were an open forum that answered many questions, clarified doubts and gave solutions to problems that survivors face.
The Twelfth Annual Indian Breast Cancer Survivors Conference, co-organised by Nag Foundation, Pune and the Women’s Cancer Initiative, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, was held on the 17th and 18th October 2024. The conference took place at Hotel Shree Panchratna, Pune. The conference is a platform for survivors across Maharashtra and health care professionals to come together to share, learn and advocate for an optimal and healthy survivorship. Programmes were charted out mindfully based on the needs of patients and survivors. Sessions are based on Bone Health, Coping with long and short-term side effects of treatment, Lymphoedema, Sexuality, etc.
Dr Shona Nag’s session on Survivorship emphasised the various aspects of survivorship and its importance. The interactive session on mental health and the role of genetics was both insightful and practical. Justine, our dance therapist, with her style and charisma, was able to get everyone to dance and move their bodies.
The Thirteenth Indian Breast Cancer Survivors Conference began with the launch of the new logo of Nag Foundation by Mitali Zahaan Irani, Trustee, Nag Foundation. The logo reflects the strength of three generations of women dedicated to the mission, nurtured by purpose, guided by wisdom, and full of compassion. Our Chief Guest, Mr Ashwini Malhotra, Vice Chairman & Managing Director of Weikfield Foods Pvt. Ltd., whose support to the foundation has been immense, spoke of lessons learnt from cancer survivors. The conference focuses on life after Breast Cancer treatment. The program addressed physical recovery, emotional well-being, relationships, nutrition, mental health, and long-term follow-up care, while creating a supportive space for sharing experiences and hope.
With over 150 survivors and 25 caregivers, in a non-judgmental environment, survivors were able to speak openly, ask questions, and be heard.
We would also like to acknowledge our team of survivor-volunteers who gave their time and talent to prepare a beautiful hamper, which was presented to the faculty as a sign of their appreciation and gratitude.