Chaturmas special Breast cancer checkup
Chaturmas special Breast cancer checkup September 11, 2025 / Uncategorized Chaturmas special Breast cancer checkup camp by Aastha Breast Cancer…
About Us
Building Bridges, Changing Lives
Aastha is an NGO registered under Charity Commissioner.
In the year 2002, doctors, a few patients and volunteers came together to form an informal group to serve the society.
The main objective behind forming this group was to cover all the aspects right from awareness, screening to rehabilitation.
Over the period of time we also included other women’s cancers like cervical cancer and a few women’s health problems like anemia and diabetes.
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Camps
Screening Camps
Breast cancer has become one of the commonest cancers amongst women all over the world. The scenario in India is no different. A large number of new cases are being diagnosed every year. Early detection in these women can be almost curative. This can be facilitated by regular screening programs and by creating awareness of the need to go for a breast health check on a regular basis.
During the camps screening for breast cancer, cervical cancer, anemia and diabetes is done.
Proud Moments of Achievement
- Received “Sangharsha Sanman puraskar” given in the memory of Dr. Sunanda Avachat bymukyangan Mitra in February 2010.
- Shekhar Kulkarni was awarded by Tata Cancer Research Centre’s “Woman’s Cancer Initiative Cell” on 22nd October 2010. He was awarded for his contribution in Aastha work.
- In 2013, Pushparatna Charitable trust awarded Aastha by “Ranaragini Award”.
- Aastha group and Dr. Shekhar Kulkarni received “Keertan Sanjeevani Pushpalata Ranade Award” in October 2015.
- In November 2015,Lions Club of Pune Sahakarnagar awaded Dr. Shekhar kulkarni by “Lions Excellence Award” for his great contribution to Aastha.
Aastha Activities
The most essential, activity of the support group is ‘ Sharing Meeting’. Being able to talk to somebody who has recovered from an illness similar to ours, helps us develop a positive attitude.
Earlier we used to have these meetings / chats one Sunday every month … Each one would share her experiences about a chosen topic. These used to be good , bad and funny …. All.
Eg. How I felt when I lost my hair, how I overcame that sadness / grief / shock … Were there any funny instances during that time ….. When you share these with each other a new patient feels assured, connected … Feels that ‘ I am not alone’. One learns to be self reliant …
This helps the patient and also her family members. A very telling reaction from the husband of one of our group member – ‘ Not only my wife benefited by the group but I too got friends who cleared my doubts.
One doesn’t feel shy to even cry freely here at times. It also helps to relieve stress. You also get to know things that you may not be aware about like what to eat, what diet to follow, what care should be taken, etc
After realizing that generating awareness about breast cancer and women’s cancer was very paramount. We started taking simple steps like lectures, group discussions, seminars at various places.
Later on we moved to more interesting forms of awareness programmes like musical programme, games, etc. So we started a music programme called Healing Harmony and also a competition and games programme called Health Minister.
Healing Harmony (HH)
HEALING Harmony is a cancer awareness programme of a duration of 150 minutes.this programme is performed by breast cancer patients, survivors and Dr. Shekhar Kulkarni – a team that’s very passionately working towards creating awareness towards creating awareness about this disease.. everyone dreads the most!
It throws light on lifestyle related aspects pertaining to cancer, it’s risk factors, tips to avoid cancer, stories shared by survivors weaved with music that acts as a therapy for healthy living!!!! This programme gives a whole new perspective of looking at this disease and inspires people not to loose health but rather fight the battle like a brave-heart!
The Healing Harmony team has presented 150 + programmes in rural areas, corporate, hospitals and educational institutes. This team has performed internationally too like UK, Maskat.
Health Minister
Health Minister is a very innovative awareness programme which focuses on breast cancer, cervical cancer oral cancer and talks about the in which our lifestyle affects our health.
This programme is very popular in rural areas. It is designed in an interactive manner where the knowledge of the participant is judged by asking them questions and rewarding them for every correct answer. These rewards are day to day hygiene products.
Health Minister is a very innovative awareness programme which focuses on breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer and talks about the ways in which our lifestyle affects our health.
Awareness Programme
When we realized that talking only to the patients about breast cancer was not enough and making the common people more aware of it was important, we initiated this programme.
Initially, doctor with a few patients visited offices, colleges, institutions to educate the masses about breast cancer. These sessions were interactive as the doctor asked the patients about their own story of the treatment and the recovery… making it more informative. Through such sessions we explained the people how early detection and appropriate treatment increases the survival chances by miles.
After offices and institutions, we targeted the local slum areas, small organizations in and around Pune to spread awareness. We gave them all the information there is to give about breast cancer, in a friendly and interactive manner.
In this way, we began our journey to educate the masses about breast cancer and tried our best to convince them that it is not screening help is in the best interest of themselves and their families.
- Working with Aastha after my treatment for breast cancer, helped me to see the world in a different light. I learnt to enjoy life and make the most of present.
- I was truly happy with the kind of support and counseling offered by team Aastha. It helped me to face the dreaded cancer with positivity and courage. Thanks TEAM AASTHA!!!!!
- The financial support given by Aastha helped me to tide over the cost of surgery and chemotherapy. This eased the burden of my family and we are ever grateful to Aastha.
- My friend told me about Aastha when I was advised breast health checkup. My experience has been excellent and I would recommend all women to come forward and get themselves checked at LRCC, a centre women’s screening run by Aastha
Affordable cotton breast prosthesis available for patients after radical surgery. Available sizes are 32, 34, 36, 38.
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