Shyla V (name changed), 53, from Kakinada in Andhra Pradesh was diagnosed with breast cancer back in 2019. Her ordeal had begun when she observed a lump in the armpit near her left breast during a self-examination.
The mother of two was rushed to the nearest hospital where a battery of diagnostic tests including an FNAC of the lump confirmed that she had invasive ductal carcinoma. This is among the most common types of breast cancer, accounting for nearly 80% of cases diagnosed.
Shyla was then shifted to another hospital, where she underwent lump removal surgery and two chemotherapy sessions. By this time, her family had spent a large sum of money and was struggling to continue with the remaining stages of treatment — six chemotherapy sessions, 17 antibody injections and five sessions of radiation therapy.
Andhra Pradesh has a limited number of cancer care hospitals, and private hospitals though better equipped are expensive and beyond the reach of most patients. As a result, a majority of cancer patients and their families in the state have had to travel long distances to access quality cancer care, with many discontinuing treatments midway due to lack of funds.
Shyla’s family began exploring affordable but quality treatment options within the state. That’s when they were advised to visit the Sri Venkateswara Institute of Cancer Care and Advanced Research (SVICCAR) at Tirupati.
A doctor consulting a patient at SVICCAR Day Care
At the SVICCAR campus where day care facilities were being offered then, Shyla’s family promptly felt at ease with the unit’s team of doctors, nurses and caretakers. She underwent chemotherapy sessions and antibody injections. Radiation therapy sessions were offered at hospitals where SVICCAR Day Care had an understanding for various patient care services. “The treatment and care provided at SVICCAR was excellent,” says Shyla.
Since the cost of treatment at SVICCAR was reasonable and within their means, Shyla’s family could rent a place to stay in Tirupati and complete her treatment without a financial burden or the stress of leaving midway. “It was an emotional moment for me when I was leaving SVICCAR after my last session. I left with tears as I had become attached to the staff,” Shyla recalls.
Now back home in Kakinada, Shyla has resumed her normal life and activities, and makes sure to visit SVICCAR regularly for follow-up tests.
