Ahmedabad, India, November 04, 2024
With breast cancer becoming the most common cancer among Indian women, early detection is crucial, as it can significantly increase the five-year survival rate to over 90%. As part of a public interest initiative and to spread awareness about breast cancer, Zydus Lifesciences Limited (ZLL) has launched – “Easiest Exam” campaign. The campaign has been conceptualised and executed by RepIndia.
The campaign features a series of compelling short videos that encourages women from all walks of life to undertake regular self-breast exam and a series of podcasts with director and writer Tahira Kashyap, called “Hope & Healing.” The podcast focuses on important discussions with healers and those who have triumphed against breast cancer, offering hope and encouragement. The Easiest Exam campaign invites everyone to empower, educate and encourage women to regularly practice self-breast exams.
Panel Discussion Highlights Importance of Early Detection
A panel discussion titled “Early Detection – A Beacon of Hope to Conquer Breast Cancer” which was moderated by well-known TV personality, Mandira Bedi. The panellists involved renowned oncologists and breast cancer survivors who discussed the significance of self-breast examinations. Eminent speakers, including Dr. Meenu Walia, Dr. Sandeep Goyle, Dr. Vinod Raina, Dr. Palanki Satya Dattatreya, and Mr. Samir Desai, Dr, DG Vijay, shared their insights on early detection, common misconceptions, and the importance of self-care.
The discussion revolved around the multifaceted approach to breast cancer prevention, importance of awareness, affordable treatments, and access of counselling to patients and caregivers alongside the role of genetic history and lifestyle changes to combat the disease. Breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early, particularly in stages 1 and 2, highlighting the importance of regular self-examinations.
“Stories of Hope” Celebrates Breast Cancer Survivors
The campaign also marked the launch of the “Stories of Hope” a compilation of inspiring stories from over 50 women who have successfully battled breast cancer. This book which aims to provide hope, encouragement, and support to others facing similar challenges, was unveiled by Dr Shravil Patel – Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences and Ms Meha Patel – Vice Chairperson, Zydus Foundation.
(In order from Left to Right)
Dr Shravil Patel – Managing Director, Zydus Lifesciences
Ms Meha Patel – Vice Chairperson, Zydus Foundation
Mandira Bedi – Moderator
Dr. Vinod Raina – Chairman Oncosciences, Fortis Gurgaon
Dr. D G Vijay- Director HCG Aastha Cancer Center President ABSI, Ahmedabad
Dr. Meenu Walia – Vice Chairman – Medical Oncology, Max Hospital, New Delhi
Dr. Sandeep Goyle- Head, Medical Oncology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai
Dr. Palanki Satya Dattatreya- Chief of Medical Oncology, Renova Soumya Cancer Centre, Hyderabad
Mr. Samir Desai- President, BU Biologics, Zydus Lifesciences
Ms. Divya Bajaj- Breast Cancer Survivor
Digital Resources Empower Women
The “Easiest Exam” campaign website offers a step-by-step video guide for performing a self-breast examination, along with information on breast cancer symptoms, treatment options, and the ability to nominate loved ones to take the “Easiest Exam.” Additionally, the “Hope & Healing” podcast series, hosted by Tahira Kashyap, which has garnered impressions of 106 million across social media channels, features insightful discussions with medical experts and breast cancer survivors.
Zydus Lifesciences’ Commitment to Breast Cancer Care
As India’s largest lifesciences company, Zydus Lifesciences is dedicated to providing comprehensive oncology treatments. The company’s portfolio includes a range of cytotoxic, supportive, and targeted drugs, as well as innovative monoclonal antibodies like Vivitra, Bryxta, and Ujvira. Zydus also partners with Guardant Health and offers genomic profiling tests to aid in early detection and personalized treatment.
By emphasizing the importance of early detection and providing accessible resources, the “Easiest Exam” campaign aims to empower women to take control of their health and improve outcomes in the fight against breast cancer.
