Mumbai, India – July 13, 2023 – Dr. Garvit Chitkara, Senior Consultant in Breast surgical oncology and oncoplasty at Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer care in Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai guides breast cancer survivors on their journey towards maintaining optimal health and well-being post-treatment.  He stresses on the need to adopt a comprehensive holistic approach which will ensure physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

According to leading Breast Cancer Surgeon in Mumbai Dr. Garvit Chitkara, “As a treating surgeon, I am aware of the suffering and turmoil of breast cancer patients and survivors.  I wish to highlight the need for them to give utmost importance to their health and well-being. Apart from prioritizing self-care, regular medical check-ups are a must, if they wish to stay healthy and cancer-free’.  To put it simply, breast cancer survivors should focus on healthy diet, staying physically active, and maintain healthy weight’.

With numerous breast cancer centers offering comprehensive treatment to survivors from around the globe, there are ample options available to cater to diverse cancer care needs.

Self-care tops the checklist for breast cancer survivors. They should focus on activities that make them feel good and happy apart from relieving stress. It could be simple activities such as reading, meditating, playing a game or two, spending time with pets, gardening, and so on.

Regular exercise also reduces stress and anxiety.  It is not necessary to hit the gym or opt for a high intensity work out.  Yoga, pilates, walking etc reduce stress and help to regain an active body.  Also, it is important to relax and unwind properly after exercising for better results.

Meditation is very helpful as it helps the survivor to unwind and relax.  Breathing practices, methods and awareness help to the person to relax well, reduce fear and stress too.  There are many new age healing practices which reduce stress, and help to unwind.

He also recommends survivors should seek out emotional support by reaching out to trusted people such as friends, family members, colleagues, healthcare providers, spiritual mentors with whom them have healthy interactions and relationships.

Other options available are seeking professionals such as psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor or clinical social workers who also guide on how to relax and cope with the stress, negative emotions, apart from sharing their feelings, experiences and tense moments.

Group counseling or support groups are an ideal way to connect with other breast cancer survivors and seek emotional support. Some people are comfortable in talking and sharing their experiences in a group while some prefer one-to-one counseling.  But, it is essential to let out and share with others who understand them and can help out too.

Dr Garvit highlights the importance of healthy eating in breast cancer survivors.  He suggests that they should consume a high-fibre and less saturated food.  As per research, high-fibre foods improve gut health, help to prevent cancers and heart diseases. Moreover, they have lesser calories and people feel satiated for a longer period of time, when consumed.  Ideal high-fibre foods such as brown rice, oats, quinoa, lentils, potatoes and sweet potatoes (with skin), vegetables and fruits should be consumed in ample quantities.

It is recommended to switch over to healthy and unsaturated fats such as olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds and avocados, oily fish etc as they do not increase the risk of recurrence or heart disease.  Skimmed milk, low fat yogurt, low fat cheese and lean meats are also recommended.  They should also try to include organic and pesticide free food, super foods such as berries, green tea and broccoli, etc in their diet.

He reiterates that breast cancer survivors need support and help in transitioning into a new phase of their life and they truly deserve all the support healthcare workers, family and friends can provide.  He shares a story of a 35 YO breast cancer survivor who bravely faced breast cancer. She had to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and a breast conservation surgery but she was determined to come out of it. Fortunately, she took it in her stride to overcome her cancer and emerged as a survivor. Today, she is an active advocate for breast cancer awareness.

Dr Garvit Chitkara, concludes by stating, ‘As a breast cancer surgeon, I’ve witnessed the incredible strength and resilience of breast cancer survivors. I wish to highlight that both emotional health and physical well-being are very important, including a healthy diet as they embark upon their recovery journey. Take each day a time, and make sure to nurture their spirit, surround themselves with love, and happiness every single day.’

About Dr. Garvit Chitkara

Dr Garvit Chitkara is associated with Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer care in Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai as a senior consultant in Breast surgical oncology and oncoplasty. He has more than 10+ years of experience as a practicing Breast Surgical oncology. 

Dr Garvit Chitkara specializes in breast cancer surgery, vacuum-assisted breast biopsy, axillary surgery, oncoplastic breast surgery and benign breast disease treatment.  He offers evidence-based diagnosis and treatment. He focuses on comprehensive treatment of breast cancer and helping patients to overcome breast cancer in the best possible way.

For more information or to schedule an interview with Dr. Garvit Chitkara, please contact:

• Jiwan Breast Clinic

           Address – 202 Center point , Above Apollo Medical shop, Oppo SBI bank, Road no 18, Near Ambedkar Garden, Chembur East 40007

           Phone: +91-91673 28325

• Nanavati Max Institute of Cancer Care,

          Address – Nanavati Max Superspeciality Hospital, Ville Parle West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400056

          Phone: +91-91673 28325