Empowering women through awareness: National Institute of Technology Srinagar and Paras Hospital lead the fight against breast cancer

• Experts stress early detection, self-examination, and breaking social stigma around women’s health

SRINAGAR: The Medical Unit of National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, in collaboration with Paras Hospital Srinagar, organized a Breast Cancer Awareness Program at Institute’s Common Hall on Thursday. The initiative was aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, early detection, and greater awareness among women regarding breast cancer, one of the most common yet preventable cancers worldwide.

The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Shabnam Bashir, Director, Surgical Oncology (Breast and Colorectal Cancers & Non-Cancer Disorders) at Paras Hospital, Srinagar. In his message, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, Director, NIT Srinagar, lauded the efforts of the Medical Unit and Paras Hospital for organizing a meaningful program on such an important health issue.

“Awareness is the first step toward prevention. We must empower our community, especially women, to prioritize their health and seek timely medical advice,” he said. Prof. Kanaujia assured that NIT Srinagar will continue to organize such initiatives to address vital health concerns and ensure a healthier campus environment.

In his message, Prof. Atikur Rehman, Registrar, NIT Srinagar, said that awareness programs like these help break myths and encourage individuals to speak openly about health challenges. “It is our collective responsibility to create an atmosphere where health is not taken for granted, and no one hesitates to seek medical help,” he added.

Dr. Shabnam, who is an eminent oncologist with extensive experience in cancer treatment and research, highlighted the importance of regular screening, self-examination, and timely consultation for effective management and early detection of breast cancer. In her address, Dr. Shabnam highlighted that breast cancer, when detected in its early stages, is highly curable, and awareness plays a key role in reducing mortality.

 She shared valuable insights on symptoms, lifestyle risk factors, and encouraged young women to be proactive about their health and adopt regular check-up habits. Dr Shabnum also underlined that woman should come forward for regular health check-ups and not ignore early signs due to hesitation or social stigma.

“Many women tend to take their health lightly or shy away from seeking medical advice, often due to embarrassment or fear. We as a society have to play a supportive role by breaking these stigmas and encouraging open conversations about women’s health,” she said. Dr Shabnam said that with modern medical advancements, breast cancer is no longer a death sentence; effective treatments and early detection can lead to full recovery and a healthy life.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Gawhar Nabi, Medical Officer, NIT Srinagar, expressed sincere gratitude to the Institute’s administration for their support and to Paras Hospital for partnering in this important public health initiative. He specifically appreciated the efforts of Mr. Bilal Malik (Manager Corporate/COP) from Paras Hospital Srinagar for their coordination and commitment to the cause.

Dr. Gawhar stated that such health awareness programs are vital in fostering a culture of preventive healthcare and early diagnosis within academic institutions. “Educational institutions have a social responsibility to create awareness and sensitize youth towards health-related issues, particularly among women,” he said.

The awareness program witnessed active participation from faculty members, staff, and students, with a special presence of female members of the campus community. The event concluded with an interactive Q&A session, where participants raised several queries regarding symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options, which were patiently addressed by Dr. Shabnam.

The program was also attended by Deputy Registrar (Accounts) Nazia Nazir, AR (Administration) Mubashir Ahmad Wani, AR (Academics) Mohammad Iqbal Dar, AR (Accounts)Shahid Hamid Najar, ANO Lt. Dr. Nitika Kundan, Dr. Urnaib Riyaz (Dental Surgeon), Mr. Mohammad Abrar Khan (Senior Pharmacist), and other staff members from the Institute’s Medical Unit.

The initiative received wide appreciation from all participants for spreading awareness about a critical health issue that affects millions of women globally. Earlier on Sep 30, NIT Srinagar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paras Hospital Srinagar to extend quality healthcare services to its employees and their dependents at affordable rates.