It's hard to put into words the fear, shock, and uncertainty you feel when your doctor tells you you have breast cancer. You probably have a thousand questions in your mind, like "Why did this happen to me?", "What do I do now?", "Will I ever get over this?" These feelings are all very normal. But knowing that you are not alone in this journey will give you great strength. Today we're talking about places and people who can help and support you during this difficult time.
Cancer is not something you have to fight alone.
The first thing to understand is that fighting cancer is not something you have to do alone. Your family, friends, and especially the medical staff who treat you, including the doctors and nurses, are there to support you. Sometimes we feel like we shouldn't give this burden to anyone, that we have to bear it alone. But that's a wrong idea. Sharing your feelings, your fears, and your pain with someone you trust can bring you great relief.
Also, meeting other people who have gone through the same journey, hearing their stories, and hearing their stories can be a great source of encouragement. It can be a great source of strength to know that "I'm not alone, there are others like this, and they've overcome this."
Where can we get help in Sri Lanka?
A person living with breast cancer needs not only treatment, but also psychological support , financial assistance, and awareness. Fortunately, there are several organizations in our country that provide this kind of help.
Medical treatment and advice
Your main support network is the hospital where you are treated.
- Apeksha Hospital, Maharagama: This is the main government hospital for cancer treatment in Sri Lanka. Here, you can get everything you need for cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, free of charge.
- Provincial Cancer Units: Major hospitals such as Kandy, Galle (Karapitiya), Jaffna, and Anuradhapura have also set up specialized Oncology Units for cancer treatment . You can find out more about this from your nearest hospital.
The most important thing is to ask your doctor without hesitation if you have any questions about your condition, treatment, or side effects. Don't believe everything you find on the internet. Your doctor has the most accurate information.
Organizations that provide support and advice
In addition to treatment, it is also very important to stay mentally strong. Below are some organizations that can help with this.
| Organization / Institution | Available services |
|---|---|
| Sri Lanka Cancer Society | Providing awareness programs, counseling services, financial assistance, palliative care, and hospice facilities to patients and their families. |
| Indira Cancer Trust | Providing free wigs to those who have lost their hair due to treatment, livelihood assistance, counseling services, and implementing various assistance programs for patients. |
| Colours of Courage Trust | Especially helping to improve the infrastructure of cancer hospitals and providing necessary medical equipment and medicines to patients. Through them, patients also receive various relief. |
| Mithuruwela - Cancer Support Network | It operates as a support network for cancer patients, survivors, and their families. It is a good place to share experiences and receive emotional support. |
How can you help your loved one?
You, the reader of this article, may be a family member or friend of a cancer patient. You too have a big part to play in this fight.
- Be a good listener: Let them express themselves. It is more valuable to listen to what they have to say than to give advice.
- Help in a practical way: Small things like helping them get to and from the hospital, helping with household chores, or preparing a meal will make them feel great.
- Be patient: They may not be the same as they were before as they go through physical and mental changes due to treatment. Be patient and loving with them during this time.
- Treat them normally: Rather than always treating them like a sick person, laughing, joking, and talking to them normally like before can go a long way in helping them feel better.
Cancer is a physical and mental battle. The journey is difficult, but with the right treatment, support from loved ones, and mental strength, you can definitely overcome this challenge.
Take-Home Message
- The fear and anxiety that come with a breast cancer diagnosis are normal, but you are not alone in this journey.
- Your greatest strength is your family, friends, and the medical team treating you.
- You can get help from organizations like the Sri Lanka Cancer Society and the Indira Cancer Trust, which help cancer patients in Sri Lanka.
- Always consult your doctor for accurate information about the disease and treatment. Do not rely solely on information found on the Internet.
- Cancer is not a death warrant. It is a condition that can be managed and overcome with proper treatment and mental strength.
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