NEW DELHI: Meenu Madan calls herself a champion, not a survivor. She says she is 7 years old, not 49. Seven years ago, she was diagnosed with third-stage breast cancer.
“I kept on ignoring the pain in my breast for quite some time. When it became unbearable I went to a gynaecologist, and by the evening my entire world was topsy turvy,” Madan, a customer care executive based in New Delhi, told Arab News.
After treatment — surgery, chemotherapy and radiation — that lasted more than a year, “I got the gift of a new life.”
She added: “One reason I suffered was because I wasn’t conscious of my body. I had no awareness about breast cancer, and this awareness is very important if we want to fight the growing menace of this disease.”
Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath, a leading oncologist in India, told Arab News that there should be “a concerted awareness campaign” in the country about breast cancer.
“The worrisome thing is we’ve seen lots of young women with breast cancer in their late 20s and early 30s,” she said.
“Cases of breast cancer are increasing every year. Last year I saw approximately 350 cases. This year so far, I’ve already seen more than 450.”
The oncologist, who has 20 years of experience treating breast cancer, added: “There are about 140,000 new cases every year, and by 2025 it will be 240,000. The urban population is more affected than the rural.”
Kadayaprath does not subscribe to the popular view that breast cancer is genetic. “Only 10 percent of cases are genetic, and 90 percent are due to other reasons.”
Talking about the southern state of Kerala and the northern city of Bhatinda, she said: “The rising cases of cancer in these places are due to the presence of pesticides in vegetables.”
To create greater awareness about breast cancer, and help sufferers and survivors, two years ago she co-founded the Bliss Foundation. “We need to collaborate with the right kinds of people, like legislators, activists, students and others,” said Kadayaprath.
Madan, who has been part of the NGO since its inception, said: “My association with the Bliss Foundation has changed my life and the lives of so many.”
“Imagine a champion like me visiting a day-care center where cancer patients are being treated. The moment they see me, the expression on their face changes. The gloom goes away. When they see a fit survivor talking to them, it greatly boosts their morale.”
Kadayaprath said: “The Bliss Foundation is an attempt to intervene in the lives of people in a meaningful way, and create a wider platform to spread awareness about breast cancer. Creating medical infrastructure isn’t a solution; creating awareness is the major issue.”
Breast cancer patient Debjani, 46, a schoolteacher in New Delhi, told Arab News: “I live a very healthy lifestyle and used to do regular exercise and eat good food, but still I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It’s very important to have regular check-ups… Body awareness is important.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 60 percent of women in India are diagnosed with third- or fourth-stage breast cancer, which “drastically affects the survival rate and treatment options.”
Kadayaprath said: “Education is important. We have to make people breast-aware, and train them to examine themselves regularly so if they find something unusual, they can go to a doctor at an early stage and the survival rate is then very high.”
Awareness is key in battle against breast cancer in India
Awareness is key in battle against breast cancer in India
Michelin Guide announces 3 new awards at restaurant celebration in Riyadh
RIYADH: The Michelin Guide hosted its inaugural celebration in Riyadh on Wednesday, where they announced three new special awards, delivered in partnership with Saudi Arabia’s Culinary Arts Commission.
The Michelin Service Award, in partnership with RAK Porcelain, went to Jeddah’s Yaza, helmed by chef and owner Hakim Bagabas, for what was described as an exceptional experience from start to finish.
Il Baretto’s manager Santiago Latorre was given the Exceptional Mocktail Award, as the Michelin Guide inspectors said the cocktail list offers a thoughtful mix of elevated classics and original signature mocktails.
The Young Chef Award went to Elia Kaady, at Maiz in Riyadh, who is considered one of the region’s rising talents.
The event honored the 11 restaurants that were awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction for delivering exceptional cuisine at great value.
The winners were Samia’s Dish and The Lucky Llama in Jeddah, Joontos and Tofareya in AlUla, Em Sharif Cafe, Fi Glbak, KAYZO, Mirzam, Najd Village, Sasani, and Tameesa in Riyadh.
Gwendal Poullennec, international director of the Michelin Guide, told Arab News: “When we look at what Saudi chefs are offering, they are also inspired by all the food cultures, but they are still really faithful to their roots, to their heritage, to their product.
“They are also really willing to tell quite an authentic and unique story. And for us, at the Michelin Guide, it definitely has a value.”
In addition to the Bib Gourmand category, 40 restaurants recognized in the Selected category were awarded plaques following the final wave of announcements on Dec. 15, bringing the total Saudi Michelin Guide restaurants to 51.
The restaurant celebration was followed by a reception where a culinary showcase brought together six guest chefs.
Three international restaurants showcased their gastronomic creations, including Le Gabriel - La Reserve Paris, which has three Michelin stars, Muse by Tom Aikens and Nusara, which both have a star.
Bib Gourmand title holders The Lucky Llama, KAYZO, and Fi Glbak also brought their unique flavors to the table.
“It’s a unique and authentic food culture (in Saudi Arabia) that deserves to be put on the spotlight, as well as the destination should be on the world culinary map. So, that is definitely what we are willing to achieve with the Michelin Guide,” Poullennec said.
