HYDERABAD: The 66th All India Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AICOG 2024) held a public forum on breast cancer advocacy and screening on Tuesday. Since Gynaecologists are the first point of contact for women, the forum held for gynaecologists was meant for increasing awareness and screening. “There is a pressing need for gynaecologists to be empowered about the need to make women ‘breast aware’ and to refer patients in time to specialists that will ensure those diagnosed with breast cancer derive the best possible benefits through early detection,” said Dr Shantha Kumari, Chairperson of AICOG 2024.
Professor Anne-Beatrice Kihara, president International Federation of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (FIGO) pointed out that gynaecologists must routinely examine women’s breasts when they present to them for various issues, even when they have no complaints in the breast because this meticulous approach would help detect breast lesions.
“In most cases, gynaecologists are the first point of contact for women presenting with breast diseases. It is vitally important for gynaecologists to ensure that all women presenting with a breast lump must undergo triple assessment, which includes clinical examination, mammography and ultrasound guided core needle biopsy to confirm or exclude breast cancer. It is disturbing to see many patients being referred for FNAC (Fine needle aspiration Cytology), which is inadequate, not accurate and also has a potential for false positive diagnosis,” said Dr P Raghu Ram, Founder, Director and CEO of Ushalakshmi Breast cancer Foundation adding that actively encouraging women 40 years and over to have an annual screening mammogram can go a long way to save lives.