CHENNAI: A private hospital launched an initiative to focus on providing cancer patients with strong psychological support by connecting them with cancer survivors.

The initiative was inaugurated and flagged off by P Geetha Jeevan, Minister of Social Welfare and Women's Empowerment of Tamil Nadu.

Apollo Proton Cancer Centre (APCC) has launched a comprehensive health initiative - Apollo Breast Cancer Diaries, a support group for breast cancer to provide breast cancer patients with best-in-class support and treatment.

Commenting on the initiative, P Geetha Jeevan, Minister of Social Welfare and Women Empowerment said, “The initiative is focused on supporting the mental health of breast cancer patients struggling to come to terms with the complications and stigmas associated with it. This initiative will help patients change their perception and strategy to cope with the fight against breast cancer. While fighting cancer, balancing emotions and distress comes at the cost of sacrificing physical - mental health."

Breast cancer treatment process may lead to fatigue and other side effects such as insomnia, anemia, nausea, pain and change in mood. At times, the patient may also have to deal with the social stigma of being diagnosed with the condition.

Dr Manjula Rao, Consultant Breast Cancer Specialist - Oncoplastic Surgeon at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, said that the support groups provide patients with reinforcements that go above and beyond the regular rigmarole of providing medical treatment.

The Institute of Aortic Surgery and dissection surgery at the hospital was also inaugurated in the hospital by Preetha Reddy, vice chairperson, Apollo Hospitals and the institute would focus on prevention and treatment of major aortic disease in the community by creating awareness in high risk population.

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