Unite for Pinktober: Bollywood actress, cancer survivor Mahima Chaudhry shares experiences

An annual event, ‘Unite for Pinktober’, a breast cancer awareness programme, hosted by Krishna Pran Charitable Trust headed by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjeev Arora was held at Guru Nanak Dev Bhawan here on Wednesday.

The event, among others, was attended by Bollywood actress Mahima Chaudhry, a courageous breast cancer survivor. During the event, Dr Sunaina interacted with Mahima Chaudhry, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.

Mahima thanked Arora for inviting her as a guest to raise awareness about cancer, especially breast cancer. She spoke about her personal battle with breast cancer and how she emerged stronger from the suffering.

Sharing her experiences with the gathering, the actress said she found herself depressed and lonely after the doctors diagnosed her disease. But she was astonished when the doctors told her that breast cancer was curable if detected at first stage and her disease was diagnosed at an initial stage. She suggested every woman to do self-examination on regular basis to check early symptoms of the disease.

Mahima recounted the challenges she faced during the treatment and even after the treatment. She said there was also a need to conduct more research as to why more women were suffering from breast cancer in India. She said instead of getting scared of the disease the patient should try to overcome the situation with strong will power.

Sharing her life mantra, she said people should live every moment of their life instead of worrying for the past or the future.

Replying to a question, Mahima suggested to MP Arora to work for bringing a law enabling every citizen to have compulsory health insurance to meet health challenges in the future. She opined that huge money was required to face health challenges like cancer at any stage because treatment was very costly. She said her only message to females was that they should take care of themselves, adding that early detection can prevent breast cancer.

In his address, MP Sanjeev Arora said October month has been observed as ‘Pink Month’ every year since 1985. He thanked Mahima for joining them in creating mass awareness against breast cancer. He said self-examination was the only way to minimise deaths due to breast cancer. He added with this method the percentage of breast cancer survivors could be increased. He said the symptoms of breast cancer should never be overrated or under-estimated.

Arora remembered his parents who died of cancer. He said had they been diagnosed at an early stage their lives could have been saved. He said like previous years, Krishna Pran Charitable Trust has also created a short film this year to spread awareness against breast cancer. The short film was also displayed during the event, which was highly applauded by all present. He thanked everyone who joined today’s event and helping in spreading awareness.

Deputy Commissioner Deputy Jitendra Jorwal appreciated MP Arora for spreading awareness against breast cancer and helping cancer patients financially. He said MP Arora was also doing a wonderful job for ensuring affordable healthcare to everyone.

Dr Sandeep Puri, Dr Gurpreet Brar and Dr Gurpreet Singh Wander were among those who spoke on the occasion and gave their insight to prevent breast cancer and other forms of cancer. They said not only women, but men also suffered from breast cancer.

Around 800 people from various walks of life, including college students, Asha workers, members of various women organisations, women police officers, and district administration, attended the event.