Chennai Breast Centre’s "Engal Utsav" Brings Together 250+ Survivors for Post-Treatment Awareness

Chennai, November 8, 2025: Over 250 breast cancer survivors and their spouses came together for Engal Utsav, a Breast Cancer Survivor Day celebration jointly organised by Chennai Breast Centre and the Sharana Breast Cancer Relief & Research Foundation. The event focused on post-treatment care, highlighting lifestyle modification, insurance awareness, and breast reconstruction as key elements of long-term survivorship.

(3rd from left) Dr. Selvi Radhakrishna, Director, Chennai Breast Centre, and Founder of Sharana Foundation; Dr. S. Prakash, former Managing Director of Star Health Insurance; Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Chennai Breast Centre

The programme featured expert talks by Dr. Sheela Nambiar, Lifestyle Medicine specialist; Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Chennai Breast Centre; and Dr. S. Prakash, former Managing Director of Star Health Insurance.

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Dr. Selvi Radhakrishna, Director, Chennai Breast Centre, and Founder of Sharana Foundation, said, “Engal Utsav is a celebration of courage, compassion, and community. Survivors often face fears about relapse, finances, and lifestyle choices. Utsav was created to address these concerns through expert guidance and shared experiences.”

Dr. Sheela Nambiar emphasised that health is a shared responsibility: “Doctors can treat, but only we can truly heal ourselves. Nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, and relationships form the foundation of health. Real strength lies in understanding our bodies and taking charge of our well-being.”

Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan highlighted the emotional and physical importance of breast reconstruction: “Reconstruction restores confidence and a sense of wholeness after mastectomy. Though fewer than 1% of women in India undergo it, modern techniques offer safe, natural results. It’s time to integrate reconstruction into cancer care.”

On health insurance, Dr. S. Prakash called for inclusivity and transparency: “A true win-win in healthcare demands open dialogue among policyholders, hospitals, and insurers. Patients must understand what their plans cover, while the industry must design products that support those in treatment and recovery.”

Engal Utsav thus served as a powerful reminder that survivorship goes beyond treatment—encompassing education, empowerment, and empathy for a healthier, more informed community.

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