Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: A special awareness lecture on breast cancer screening and breast self-awareness was organised by CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, in collaboration with the J&K State Chapter of the Association of Surgeons of India (ASI) as part of the observance of National Surgeons Day and Surgeons Week.
The programme brought together surgeons, researchers, students and faculty members to highlight the importance of early detection, preventive healthcare and lifestyle awareness in reducing the burden of breast cancer.
Opening the session, Professor and Head, Postgraduate Department of Surgery, Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, Dr Sanjay Bhasin underlined the evolving role of surgeons and the growing need to address stress and wellbeing within the medical profession.
Referring to initiatives launched under Surgeons Week, he said the campaign focuses not only on patient care but also on promoting the health and wellbeing of healthcare professionals through awareness drives, health check-ups and community outreach.
Guest speaker on the occasion, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, GMC Jammu, Dr Rajini Bhardwaj delivered an extensive talk on breast cancer screening and breast self-awareness.
She highlighted that breast cancer continues to remain one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women globally and stressed that early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival.
She noted that changing lifestyles, urbanisation and delayed health-seeking behaviour are contributing factors behind the rising incidence of breast cancer. Dr Bhardwaj encouraged women to become familiar with normal changes in their bodies and emphasised the importance of monthly breast self-awareness practices along with timely clinical consultations whenever warning signs appear.
Explaining practical preventive measures, she guided participants through the concept of breast self-awareness, encouraging women to observe changes such as unusual lumps, skin changes and seek medical advice without delay. She also discussed the importance of clinical breast examinations and screening mammography where medically advised.
During the interaction, experts also highlighted the growing impact of lifestyle factors, environmental exposure and changing dietary patterns on overall cancer trends and called for healthier daily habits alongside regular screening.
Addressing the gathering, Director CSIR-IIIM Jammu, Dr Zabeer Ahmed appreciated the initiative and described the awareness programme as an important step towards strengthening collaboration between scientific institutions and the medical community. He said such outreach activities play an important role in promoting awareness, preventive healthcare and early disease detection.
Dr Ahmed also referred to the vision consistently advocated by Hon’ble Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh on fostering stronger linkages between CSIR institutions and Government Medical Colleges to bridge scientific research with clinical practice and public health outcomes. He said the programme reflected that approach by bringing together medical expertise and scientific institutions on a common platform for community awareness.
Highlighting the institute’s research initiatives, Dr Ahmed said CSIR-IIIM is actively engaged in developing new therapeutic interventions for various diseases, including cancer-focused research. He noted that alongside scientific innovation, public awareness, early monitoring and timely diagnosis remain equally important in reducing disease burden and improving health outcomes.
He further informed that CSIR-IIIM is undertaking research in cancer therapeutics, including work on novel chemical entities for breast cancer, emphasising that scientific advancement and awareness must move together to address emerging healthcare challenges effectively.
Students, scientists and faculty members of CSIR-IIIM Jammu, particularly women employees, participated in the programme. Among others present were Associate Professor Surgery GMC Jammu Dr Sanjay Sharma, Dr Sunita Kumari, Dr Amit Sharma and Dr Anju Gupta. The session concluded with a collective call to strengthen awareness initiatives and encourage timely health screening for improved outcomes and healthier communities.
