Iswarya Hospital Takes Breast Cancer Awareness to the Community Through Traditional Villupattu
Chennai : To Commemorate the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Iswarya Breast Centre at Iswarya Hospital, OMR, Taramani, organised a special Villupattu programme titled “Varumunnar Kaappom” (Prevention Before It Comes) performed by Kalaimamani Bharathi Thirumagan on Sunday, October 11, to spread awareness about breast cancer and the importance of early detection.
Dr. Deepa Chegu, Director and Senior Consultant at Iswarya Breast Centre, addressed the gathering on the importance of early detection and explained the available screening methods, including breast self-examination and mammography.
Kalaimamani Bharathi Thirumagan, daughter of renowned Villisai Vendar Kavignar Subbu Arumugam, and her troupe conveyed vital breast cancer awareness messages through Villupattu, the traditional Tamil storytelling art form, presenting important health information in a simple, engaging and memorable manner.
Villupattu, an age-old Tamil art form that combines iyal (literature), isai (music) and nadagam (drama), has traditionally served as a powerful medium for communicating mythology, literature and social messages to the public. Using this cultural art form to communicate the importance of breast health was a distinctive initiative that brought medical awareness closer to the community. The performance was warmly received and widely appreciated by the audience.
Prof. Dr. S. Rajasundaram, Director of Oncology and CEO of Iswarya Hospital, highlighted the importance of breast cancer awareness and timely medical intervention. Breast cancer survivors also shared their personal journeys, inspiring the audience with messages of courage, hope and the importance of seeking timely care.
The doctors emphasised that breast cancer detected at an early stage has a high chance of successful treatment and cure. Women aged 40 and above were encouraged to undergo regular mammography screening as recommended by their doctor.
The programme brought together doctors, nurses, breast cancer survivors and members of the public, combining traditional Tamil art with medical expertise to deliver a powerful message: early detection saves lives.
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