Pink with a purpose: Kolkata raises awareness against breast cancer

The Calcutta Times Pink Party, presented by Narayana Health Howrah, brought together doctors, celebrities and entrepreneurs on Saturday evening to raise awareness about breast cancer.

The interactive event encouraged conversation, collective action and stressed the vital need for early detection and timely intervention.From awareness to actionIn India, breast cancer has become the most common cancer among women, with late diagnoses often linked to stigma, misinformation, and limited screening access. Dr Suman Mallick, clinical director and senior consultant–radiation oncology at Narayana Hospital, Howrah, emphasised that early detection directly influences survival rates.

“Cases are rising — we must talk, check, detect and act. Early screening is essential,” he said, adding that awareness means little without action or follow-through.

While urban women have greater access to healthcare and information, rural regions remain a pressing concern. Raunaq Zaidi, GM at Dr Paul’s Advanced Hair & Skin Solutions, observed, “Awareness often stays confined to cities, but rural women are equally or more vulnerable. Sparse screening facilities, limitedhygiene infrastructure and muted conversations worsen the gap.

For awareness to truly matter, it must reach every village — education, access and empathy must extend to the grassroots.”

Courage needs care tooIn the face of cancer, the physical fight is only half the battle —the unseen struggle is often emotional. “I’m proactive at work, but when it comes to my health, courage retreats. Even a hospital visit feels daunting without emotional support. Cancer demands more than treatment; it needs care, belonging and empathy.

Healing is not just of the body — it’s of the heart and spirit,” said Rochita Dey, director, Sreeleathers.

Meanwhile, Joita Sen, director & head of marketing and design, Senco Gold and Diamonds, said: “Events like this are vital. We all know the basics, but today Ilearnt how simple steps can truly save lives. Fear reduces when credible sources simplify symptoms and treatments.”

Debunking mythsMyths around breast cancer still mislead many, delaying detection and fuelling fear. “People assume those with a family history are at risk, or that men can’t get breast cancer – both of these are untrue,” said Dr Chandrakanth MV, academic head & senior consultant, medical & hemato-oncology, Narayana Hospital, Howrah. He added that men have breast tissue too, making them susceptible, though rarely. Dr Meenulochani Annadurai, breast oncologist & onco-plastic surgeon at the same hospital, said, “It’s no longer limited to women over 40, and not all lumps are painful — some cancers are painless, while many lumps are benign.

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Awareness should begin at home, have an honest conversation about breast-health in your household, make self-care non-negotiable. Remind the women in your life that taking time for her check-ups is not selfish, it is essential– Priyanka Sarkar

Today, pink is the colour of self-care, self-awareness, courage, sisterhood, partnership and hope. My grandmother, father, aunt, sister are all cancer survivors and in each case I’ve seen how early detection played an important role– Churni Ganguly