Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central honours 55 breast cancer survivors at awareness event

Mumbai: Wockhart Hospitals, Mumbai Central, held a breast cancer awareness programme on Monday. It specially honoured 55 women aged 30 to 80 who have beaten the disease. The aim of the initiative was to recognise the women's resilience and courage.

The programme stressed the importance of early detection, timely treatment and emotional support throughout the course of treatment.

The survivors gathered at one venue, celebrated their journey and gave a message to spread as much awareness as possible about the disease. Breast cancer remains a major public health challenge in India.

In February 2026, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare presented in the Rajya Sabha the estimates of the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP). According to these, India was estimated to have recorded 2,40,381 cases of breast cancer among women in 2025, including 21,843 cases in Maharashtra. The estimated number of deaths of women from breast cancer in the country in 2025 was 1,03,363. These figures show how important awareness, timely medical consultation and proper treatment are.

Dr Meghal Sanghvi, consultant onco-surgeon at Wockhart Hospitals, Mumbai Central, said: "Awareness about breast cancer does not mean only knowing that the disease exists. Recognising changes in the body and seeking medical advice without delay is equally important. A lump in the breast, a change in size or texture, dimpling of the skin, changes in the nipple or unusual discharge should not be ignored. It is also important to understand that women with no family history of the disease can also get breast cancer.

Timely screening detects the disease and allows treatment to begin at the right time. We appeal to women to stay alert about their breast health, not hesitate to share health concerns, and follow screening recommendations according to their age and personal risk."

Dr Virender Chauhan, Regional Business Head India and Group Head International Business at Wockhart Hospitals, said: "Every person's journey with breast cancer is different. Behind every illness is a person grappling with uncertainty, difficult decisions and the emotional challenges that come with treatment. Through this initiative, we wanted to honour the courage of these 55 women and celebrate the resilience of their journey beyond the hospital as well.

Treatment has its important role, but emotional support, encouragement from loved ones and compassionate healthcare are equally essential for patients to get through this phase. We hope the stories of these women will inspire others to seek medical advice in time, speak openly about breast cancer, and understand that no one should have to face this journey alone."

Through the initiative, Wockhart Hospitals, Mumbai Central, reiterated its commitment to breast cancer awareness and patient-centred healthcare. The programme underlined the importance of timely medical consultation, proper screening and emotional support for patients and their families. In honouring the courage and resilience of the 55 women, it also conveyed that awareness, timely action and compassionate healthcare can make a big difference in the journey against breast cancer.