It’s a significant accomplishment for a woman to finish her breast cancer therapy. However, as oncologists frequently emphasise, surviving is only the first step. The ensuing years may present a unique set of difficulties, some anticipated and some unexpected.

The heart is one of the less well-known issues.

Heart health can be impacted by several cancer treatments, including targeted medicines like trastuzumab, chemotherapy medications like anthracyclines, and chest radiation. Even years after the conclusion of treatment, the effects might not be felt right away; they might develop gradually. Cardio-oncology, a relatively new area of medicine, is significantly improving this situation.

Our goal at Shivamogga’s Sahyadri Narayana Hospital is to always be one step ahead. We have a Breast Cancer Survivorship Clinic every third Thursday of the month, where women who have finished treatment can come for ongoing support. The clinic’s goal is to help survivors live better, not simply longer, by offering everything from lifestyle counselling and advice to heart exams and other follow-up care. A key component of this journey is the cardio-oncology care we provide, which is directed by consultant cardiologist Dr. Sreevatsa Nadig.

One of the most prestigious conferences in the industry, the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago, gave us the chance to present our results to a worldwide audience earlier this year.

Our study asked a simple but important question: Are breast cancer survivors more prone to early signs of heart disease?

To investigate this, we examined two cohorts of women: one with a history of breast cancer and another with no such history. We employed a scan known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, which aids in identifying early heart artery calcification. It’s a non-intrusive method of identifying hidden dangers before they become significant issues.

We were pleasantly surprised by what we discovered!

The two groups did not differ significantly from one another. Breast cancer survivors did not seem to be more susceptible to early heart disease than their peers when receiving the right care and monitoring.

This offers a message of hope—and a practical reminder to us all.

What can GPs and primary care doctors take away from this?

• Follow-up is effective. Long-term issues can be avoided with the use of structured survivorship care.
• Consider more than recurrence. It’s possible that symptoms like fatigue or dyspnoea don’t indicate that the cancer has returned. Heart health should also be taken into account.
• Lives can be saved by early screenings. While not necessary for everyone, CAC scoring can be a helpful tool when used appropriately.
• Collaboration is important. Collaboration between oncologists, cardiologists, general practitioners, and mental health specialists is beneficial to survivors.

For every woman who walks out of the oncology ward cancer-free, the hope is that she steps into a life full of vitality, confidence, and support. That’s why we believe survivorship needs just as much attention as the treatment itself. If you’re caring for a breast cancer survivor, do consider referring them to our clinic. Together, we can make sure their post-cancer journey is not only longer—but healthier and happier too

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‘Aarogyam’ was unveiled by acclaimed actress Jaya Prada, renowned theater and film artist Bharat Jadhav, and well-known industrialist Chandrashekhar D. Sheth. Other dignitaries like Director/Producer Mahesh Tilekar, Managing Director and SVP Anant Padmanabhan, CHRO and Vice President Milind Kaulgud, CFO Vinit Patil, and Director Prasad Sardeshpande of T-Systems, Founders of ‘Apla Ghar’ Vijay and Sadhana Phalnikar, and others were also present on the occasion.

The services available with ‘Aarogyam’ – India’s first High-Tech Mobile Clinic on Wheels are dental checking and treatment, eye checking and treatment, Breast Cancer Screening, Oral Cancer Screening, General check-up compartment, Blood Sample collection, Dental X-Ray, Chemical Toilet, Wi-Fi system, and CCTV camera.

While speaking on the occasion, Bharat Jadhav said, “I believe that the real ‘Vitthal’ and ‘Rukmini’ are Vijay and Sadhana Phalnikar, because of the leap of faith they’ve taken to do something for the society. There is a lot of positivity in this space.” He asserted that the patients get cured faster, because of the warmth of the doctors, and the people give importance to responsibility and hard work here. Jadhav also announced that every time he would do a theater play, he would send 10 tickets to the children of ‘Apla Ghar.“

“Instead of giving up on their lives, the Phalnikar couple rose courageously and started, an NGO called ‘Apla Ghar.’ They’ve come a long way and have created a big family. It was my dream to become a doctor, but I couldn’t because I started making films at a very early age. And that’s why I want to say that I am with you all at every step. Even now, women find it challenging to openly talk about Breast Cancer or anything that they are suffering from. It’s relief to see the steps taken towards building India’s first High-Tech Mobile Clinic on Wheels,” expressed Jaya Prada.

Chandrashekhar D. Sheth said, “I keep doing social causes and I hope that I must have imbibed at least 5% of Vijay’s qualities until now. As Bharat Jadhav said, I agree with the fact that we can see Vijay and Sadhana Phalnikar in the form of Vitthal and ‘Rukmini.“

Vijay Phalnikar introduced the program, while Rajesh Mandik hosted and presented the Vote of Thanks.

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The purpose of this biker’s rally was to create awareness about prevention, the importance of early diagnosis, and technological advancements that have paved the way toward better survival outcomes. Not just to create awareness but also to educate the people on self-breast screening and tips to stay healthy, the hospital organized a Health Talk with an engaging Zumba session at Manipal Hospital, Baner, and Westend Mall, Aundh.

Addressing the participant Dr. Kavita Varma, General Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Baner, said, “Breast cancer is no longer just a hereditary disease; it is increasingly becoming a lifestyle disease. Stress, poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and air and water pollution have all been related to a rise in occurrences among young Indian females. Breast cancer incidence in women under 40 has decreased significantly when compared to those under 60. The aim of this bike rally was to educate women about self-screening methods and preventive measures for breast cancer detection and treatment, which will improve the quality of life.”

Raman Bhaskar Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital, Baner, said, “Manipal Hospitals have always been at the forefront in raising awareness and encouraging people for timely checkups. Every October, we celebrate World Breast Cancer Awareness Month to highlight the significance of caring for ourselves and our loved ones. Our Comprehensive oncology department is well equipped with advanced technology including Mammography, LINAC Accelerator & PET Scan. This rally shows our commitment to inspire people to prioritize their health, volunteer for regular screenings, and contribute to the fight against breast cancer.“

According to a 2022 Indian Journal of Medical Research study, the age-adjusted breast cancer incidence rate in Pune is 28.3, which is higher than the national average. The rate is rising, especially among younger women.

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