Cancer stigmas are often barriers for seeking diagnosis, as well as treatment and rehabilitation. Shubha Maudgal and Susmitra Mitra of Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA), Mumbai give us an insight into the current taboos surrounding cancer and the challenges such stigmas pose for patients and society.

1. What does cancer stigma entail?

Shilpa Aneja, 34 is a Stage 3 breast cancer survivor from Jaipur and credits her recovery to proper maintenance of a physical exercise routine and an unbeatable attitude and positive mindset. Here, she shares her gutsy life principles, strong commitment to mental and physical health, and immeasurable love for her daughter that helped her combat cancer.

Shilpa, please tell us a bit about your diagnosis and the treatment

Colorectal cancer is the 4th most common cause of deaths related to cancer worldwide. Lynch syndrome or HNPCC is one of most common genetic causes of Colon cancer. Here are a few questions to better understand Lynch syndrome and how we can screen for it.

1. What is the Lynch syndrome? Which genes are involved?

An interview on a wide range of issues - from survival rates of breast cancer to quality of life, from the use of chemotherapy to breast reconstruction - with Dr. Vinay Deshmane, Consultant in Surgical Oncology & Breast Diseases and Medical Director and Jnt. Hon secretary of the Indian Cancer Society 

1.    Has the survival rate of Breast Cancer changed in India in recent years? Why is that?

There is paucity of data on survival rates of most cancers including Breast Cancer in India.