October is breast cancer awareness month and Latha Srinivasan, a journalist and breast cancer survivor has just released a book on her experience. Speaking about the purpose behind the book ‘The Pink Elephant’, Latha said, “Do you know that one in 28 women in India is likely to develop breast cancer? This is one of the most common cancers in India and can be fully cured if detected early. Unfortunately, in our country awareness about breast cancer is quite low and most women are diagnosed at stage 3 and stage 4 of the disease, when it is often too late. I wanted to write about my cancer experience to raise awareness and also to show men and women that it is a life-changing experience as well.”
The Pink Elephant is a quick look at Latha Srinivasan’s journey through breast cancer and what she went through emotionally. She writes about aspects of her treatment and how she handled it, which could help other women going through treatment. “I titled it the Pink Elephant because breast cancer is the elephant in the room and pink is the colour for breast cancer,” explained Latha.
Women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a much younger age and while many hospitals and NGOs conduct breast cancer awareness programs, it is not enough. “People fear the disease and women need to know that they will be alright if they take proper treatment. Many of them are scared to go to the doctor and have fears, like losing their hair or breasts. We as a society need to educate everyone about symptoms of breast cancer and that they need to seek treatment as early as possible,” added Latha.
The Pink Elephant is priced at Rs 299 and is available on the Amazon India and Notion Press websites. Proceeds from sales go to charity.
Women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a much younger age and while many hospitals and NGOs conduct breast cancer awareness programs, it is not enough. “People fear the disease and women need to know that they will be alright if they take proper treatment. Many of them are scared to go to the doctor and have fears, like losing their hair or breasts. We as a society need to educate everyone about symptoms of breast cancer and that they need to seek treatment as early as possible,” added Latha.
The Pink Elephant is priced at Rs 299 and is available on the Amazon India and Notion Press websites. Proceeds from sales go to charity.