Towards holistic healing and empowerment for women battling breast cancer, Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre hosted an awareness session under its flagship initiative, BRAVE – Breast Reconstruction Awareness, Voice & Education. Themed “Beyond Survival: Towards Adding Life to Her Years,” the event aimed to highlight the vital role of breast reconstruction in helping women regain confidence, dignity, and emotional well-being post-mastectomy.

As India’s first dedicated forum for breast reconstruction, BRAVE 2025 seeks to redefine recovery by placing reconstructive surgery at the heart of comprehensive cancer care. The initiative brings together oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, psychologists, genetic experts, and patient advocates to build awareness, share real-world experiences, and empower women to make informed decisions about their healing journey.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Venkat Ramakrishnan, Lead – Plastic & Breast Reconstructive Surgery, Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, emphasised that advancements in microsurgical reconstruction have revolutionised recovery for breast cancer survivors.

“Modern breast reconstruction techniques—especially microsurgical procedures using a patient’s own tissue—are extremely safe, with a success rate exceeding 99% in experienced hands. Reconstruction not only restores the breast’s natural form but also enhances emotional and psychological recovery. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s an essential part of comprehensive cancer care,” he said.

He shared the story of Sophia Raman, an entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor who underwent the DIEP procedure.

“Initially, Sophia was focused solely on surviving the disease. But once she understood the possibilities of reconstruction, it transformed her outlook. The procedure helped her reclaim her confidence and identity—today, she stands as a symbol of resilience and renewal,” Dr. Ramakrishnan added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Geeta Kadayaprath, Lead – Breast Surgical Oncology & Oncoplastic Surgery, underscored how reconstructive surgery restores both physical form and emotional strength.

“When Sunita came to us, she was devastated by the thought of a mastectomy. Once she learned that reconstruction could restore her breast, her hope returned. The transformation in her spirit after surgery was remarkable—it gave her a renewed sense of self,” said Dr. Kadayaprath.

The awareness session concluded with a multidisciplinary panel discussion on integrating reconstruction into standard cancer care pathways. Experts called for greater collaboration among oncologists, surgeons, and allied specialists to ensure that every woman facing breast cancer is informed about her right to reconstruction and supported throughout her treatment journey.

Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre continues to champion compassionate, multidisciplinary cancer care focused exclusively on women. As Asia’s first dedicated cancer centre for women, it offers services ranging from preventive screenings and diagnostics to surgical oncology, fertility preservation, breast oncoplasty, reconstructive surgery, nutrition, physiotherapy, onco-psychology, and palliative care—all under one roof.

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Rooted in empathy and powered by science, Apollo Athenaa’s mission is to ensure that women receive not only advanced medical treatment but also emotional and psychological support, enabling them to lead fulfilling lives beyond cancer. Through initiatives like BRAVE, the Centre is reshaping the narrative from survival to empowerment—helping every woman heal completely, inside and out.

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