Journey of survival and awareness in fight against breast cancer

Jigmi Wangdi

At just 27, Tsheltrim Zangmo faced a life-altering diagnosis: breast cancer. Now, at 31 and proud to be a cancer survivor, she reflects on her journey, emphasising the critical importance of early detection and awareness.

Tsheltrim first noticed a painless lump in her breast in 2016, a sign she initially dismissed. As her health declined, marked by unexplained weight loss and fatigue, she realised the silent nature of her illness—a reality many women face when they neglect regular check-ups.

“The symptoms of breast cancer are painless,” Tsheltrim said. “It is silent, and so many women don’t visit the hospital for checkups because of this.”

By the time Tsheltrim Zangmo sought medical attention, she had already reached the third stage of breast cancer, a diagnosis that filled her with regret for not acting sooner.

“If only I had gone to the hospital back then, I would have had the lump removed without much complications. But now, my left breast has been totally removed,” Tsheltrim said.

Her year-long treatment journey was further complicated by the pandemic, making timely care a struggle. It was during this challenging time that she discovered the Bhutan Cancer Society (BCS), an organisation that provided essential support and resources, aiding her recovery.

“They helped me get all the care I needed, which significantly helped me recover,” she said.

Motivated by her experience, Tsheltrim has dedicated herself to raising awareness about breast cancer as a proud member of BCS, striving to ensure that others do not have to face the same silent struggle.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Tsheltrim Zangmo has joined the BCS in a series of impactful outreach initiatives.

Over the past weeks, BCS has conducted awareness programmes at Paro College of Education, Norbuling Rigter College in Paro, and Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nun’s Buddhist College, targeting both students and the religious community.

These sessions aim to disseminate critical information about breast cancer risks, symptoms, and the importance of regular screenings and preventive measures.

The awareness campaign culminated in a collaborative event with the Ministry of Health, Samtse Dzongkhag Administration, and Samtse District Hospital, specifically targeting the general public.

Samtse has been identified as a priority area for breast cancer awareness due to its high incidence of reported cases, as noted by the National Cancer Registry.

The event featured educational sessions, free screenings, and consultations with healthcare professionals, striving to empower individuals with knowledge and resources to combat this silent disease.

Through her involvement, Tsheltrim hopes to inspire others to prioritize their health and seek timely medical attention.

Breast cancer ranks among the top five cancers affecting women in Bhutan, with a troubling statistic of 143 reported cases between 2019 and 2022.

Samtse recorded the highest number, with 25 cases. Between 2020 and 2023, breast cancer accounted for 44 deaths in the country, underscoring the urgent need for awareness and education.

Karma Tobgay, executive director of the Bhutan Cancer Society (BCS), highlighted the organisation’s mission to support government initiatives in cancer control through community outreach and education.

“This October, in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we have focused on raising awareness at the grassroots level, conducting programs at educational institutions and nunneries,” he said.

These initiatives are part of BCS’s broader commitment to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their location, have access to crucial information about prevention, early detection, and treatment.

Karma Tobgay emphasised the importance of this effort in reaching vulnerable populations, stating that fostering a culture of awareness is essential for empowering individuals to protect themselves and their loved ones from the impacts of breast cancer.