Our own Mystery Novel -The Bankster

People around me have always dreaded my MNS (Mystery Novel Syndrome) more than my PMS. I was hooked to reading mystery novels from a very young age, when I started with Hardy boys. Later I moved to Nancy Drew, Agatha Christie, Alistair Mclean, Sidney Sheldon, Dan Brown and many more authors. Sorry to say, but I always avoided reading Indian authors when it came to mystery novels because I did not believe they could ever match the skills of the authors I was already exposed to. I loved reading Indian authors when it came to non-fiction or books like Malgudi days, but mystery novels were always a big NO.

When I held the book ‘The Bankster’ in my hand, I heaved a sigh thinking why I decided to read this book. I could recall all the employees of the banks I have visited coming into a mystery novel and shuddered at the thought of them acting as James Bond or Sherlock Holmes.

With some effort, I pushed out all the negative thoughts and prejudices I held against Indian Mystery Novel authors and decided to have a go at this novel. Unbelievable, I raced through the 358 pages , nd 47 chapters, holding my breath, only stopping in between to attend some absolutely unavoidable work. Even for a reader who has enjoyed books like ‘The Firm’, this financial crime proved enough saucy and interesting.

The attraction lay in the Indianized English used by author, which is subtle but will not escape the Indians, who will love it for a change. The sub plots of the story are well knitted into the main story, with a speedy narration building up the mystery before unraveling it in with a twist. Yeah! What is mystery novel without a twist in it?

I have to admit that banking is not something I knew until now, neither it is something held inside those small offices I walk into to make deposits or withdraw cash. The intricate process of real big time banking is explained in great detail by the author, which is going to change the perspective of many simple readers like me who have had no previous knowledge about banking. The author has chosen to explain and put stress on what he knows best, i.e. Banking, while not getting into complex details about diamond industry, weapons or nuclear reactor plants. Smart guy I would say.

Instead of a detective , we have a journalist and ex- banker -  Karan (at least we can easily pronounce the name)donning the role of hero, who goes on to unravel the mystery of series of bone chilling murders that shakes the foundations GB2. The novel has Global conspiracies, interesting plots,  secret dark characters, and race against time, all essential ingredients for a chicken soup for mystery novels.

I am kind of scared to discuss the plot over here, because being a woman I may talk too much revealing the Bankster (a cross breed of gangster and banker) to the readers. The thrill of reading the novel lies in guessing what to expect, while knowing deep within your heart that what you expect to happen is going to be replaced by the unexpected.

The story begins in Angola, where a secret CIA agent exchanges weapons for raw uncut diamonds making some big bucks in the process.  Right then we is airlifted to Kerala where an elderly man, resort owner Krishna Menon is trying to avert a replica of Chernobyl in his hometown.  He had lost his son to the accident that took place in the power plant. The next subplot appears in the form of mysterious deaths of GB2’s key employees, which comes out as suicides or accidents. How are all these people connected to each other? The answer is unraveled by Karan Punjabi, who loses his close friend to the conspiracy and is hell bent on discovering the truth hidden by lies and treachery. I was shocked that the bankster turned out to be none other than #$%^&&&.. ha ha there….. just stopped myself in time.

I would recommend the book for readers who enjoy mystery novels, and those who do not feel upset with a sneaking Hindi word here and there.

Finally I would like to thank Ravi Subramanian for coming up with a good book that has allowed me shed my inhibition against Indian authors who write mystery novels in English. Wish you all the best!

The Bankster

Author – Ravi Subramanian
Publisher – Rupa Publications, 2012.
Price – INR 250/-
ISBN – 978-81-291-2048-9

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Ravi Subramanian's presence on website(s) and social networks

• Website: http://www.ravisubramanian.in/index.asp


• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Authorravisubramanian


• Twitter: https://twitter.com/SubramanianRavi


• Slideshare: http://www.slideshare.net/authorravisubramanian


• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/AuthorRavi

Shopping experience at Jabong....

This blog post won a second prize gift of Jabong Gift Voucher worth Rs. 2000

I confess I am an internet addict. I love the world of internet, where I can shop, earn, blog, win contests, watch videos, movies and have fun playing games. Not long ago, internet shopping was the elusive option for me, because none of the online shopping sites offered COD options to Byndoor, the village where I lived. After shifting to Bangalore and getting a debit card with which I can shop online, my world has changed completely and I love it for now. May be the trend will continue until the chair will break under my lazy weight. J

There was time when I enjoyed window shopping in shops because I love to have a look at all products available for me to purchase. Now window shopping has become easier with the window right in my bedroom on top of my desktop. Unfortunately, when surfing websites like Jabong which has nearly 50% discount on some lucrative products; the window shopping drills quite a big hole in my debit card. It is with great difficulty that I have to hold myself back from creating a black hole in my bank account. J

A few months ago I was introduced to the online shopping website Jabong from where I purchased lovely anklets for my daughter Farheena. She wanted silver anklets with some color in them, and which would tinkle when she walked. I had been searching for the right anklets for quite some time but did not find something she liked. When I saw the perfect anklets for her on Jabong, I decided to go ahead and purchase it from the website. The only problem was I could not make out much from the picture and was not sure of the size.

Online shopping websites always have 30-DAY RETURNS policy, but the problem is when I shop through COD offer, the money goes into my wallet on the website and I do not actually get the money back. Some sites, though good with price and discounts, have the policy of not involving the balance in wallet and COD shopping going together, which makes it tough to properly utilize the money in the wallet.

I got in touch with the customer care of Jabong to discuss this problem, and I could not believe that I had an option of opening the box, checking the product before paying the delivery man. WOW! Online shopping was very close to real life shopping now. I ordered the lovely Payal for my daughter through the COD option and eagerly waited for it.

The delivery man arrived with the anklets and when I tried making payment for it, he insisted that I should open the box and check if I am satisfied with the product, if not I could return it to him and make no payments. He actually insisted to make sure the product is right for us before taking the payment. I really loved this option Jabong gave me and since have been shopping there often products I need. It is also easy for me to sit at home and purchase things for my family by just changing the shipping address for them.

The recent messed up experience with Flipkart makes me appreciate this facility more now. I had ordered a  Firefox Alloy Mini Bicycle Pump from Flipkart, but unfortunately when I opened the package, the product shown in the picture on their website and the one sent to me did not match. It was totally a different product as you can see from the pictures below.

Now I have to wait for the reverse pickup which may take weeks, and another 10 or more days for a refund. If I had chosen COD option that the money I paid will be transferred to my Wallet which I need to utilize when I am buying another product from the website. Not something I appreciate. As for compensation such trouble for customers, Flipkart pays Rs.100/- which I refused to accept. 

But with the check before you collect the delivery by Jabong, In case I am not satisfied with the product even after looking at it once, I can always return the item for getting a quick refund.Typically the refunds are initiated within 2 business days of receiving your items. Receipt of the refund would depend on the mode of payment chosen by you. The expected timelines are as below:

Refund Method	Refund Receipt Time (After Initiation)
Jabong.Com Vouchers	1-2 business days
Bank Transfer/NEFT	2-4 business days
Debit Card	5-7 business days
Credit Card	7-21 business days

The great fashion megastore has 1,00,000+  for me to ogle at when I don’t have money to buy them.

Like all the people who hesitate to buy products online, I started that way too. It was my visit to USA that changed all of my perspective when I watched in awe when people bought even TVs and Laptops online, finding huge discounts on the product.

After coming back to India my luck had got me some wonderful shopping vouchers from online sites, therefore the hesitating period had to be over. Other than one bad setback, all of my shopping experience has been good, saving me a lot of time which I spent searching for the right brand, color, or size in the shops.

Gone are the times when I hesitated to shop for myself, now I shop even for my family from the comfort of my home. Recently my sister wanted to buy a surprise gift for her son on his birthday, and she found the perfect Football Set for him on Jabong. 
As she had tough time shopping for it from her mobile (she is not a net savvy person) she asked me to shop the item for her. Within 5 minutes, I had placed the COD order for her from my account choosing ship to a different address option. Imagine the Auto rickshaw fare, time spent in searching the product in shops and then having trouble slowly sneaking it in without the kid watching us if I had to do it the offline way.

I love the various designs of Kurtis from which I choose for Farheena. 

As to answer the question “WHY I LIKE SHOPPING AT JABONG”, here is my list:

Savings: I can save money on good offers they have on products, not to mention the travel, expenses on food and time I save. It came to me as a surprise that online stores have better prices on products than the conventional stores. The savings, and special offers for occasions make it much more lucrative for me. 

Convenience: I can surf through thousands of products online, moreover the search options make it easy to find the specific item I am looking for. 

Check delivery option: It makes me feel good to have a look at the product before I pay on COD.

Choice and Variety: When I purchase a sandal from shop, I may look at 10-15 products before buying one, but when I shop on Jabong, I can surf through 100 of products before making a choice. There are products are many top brands like, Catwalk, Fila, Rocia and many more to choose from 

No rush or crowd: I can shop without the rush, crowd and noise troubling me while I make my choice

 Absence of Promotion: I am not fond of hearing about the glorification of the products by the skillful sales people. I love making my decisions without being pushed to buy a product. 

No Worries about Checking Products: Many may consider this silly, but I do feel bad when I make the salesperson show me all the shoes, dresses or other products, but then walk away without buying them. I regret that they have to pack all of it back and without benefits. I usually hesitate to look at more products because of this reason, which does not hold me back when I shop online. 

Easy Shopping: It is easy to shop not only for me, but gifts for any person in India through online shopping. Not many sites have shopping accessories under Shoes, Clothing, Sports, Bags, Jewellery, Accessories, Beauty, Home & Furniture under one roof. 

Those who like offers can always click on the ‘Sale%’ to view the best sale deals Jabong has to offer. Some of the offers are unbelievable where you may find products with 73% off. Under the Premium you can select from well known brands like DKNY, ELLE, ESPRIT, CALVIN KLEIN JEANS, TRESMODE, CLARKS, TAMARIS, VOGUE, MEHRASONS JEWELERS, LAVIE, HIDESIGN, FCUK,and  SATYA PAUL for women and FRENCH CONNECTION,TIMBERLAND,GAS,CLARKS,SATYA PAUL,TOMMY HILFIGER,CITIZEN,NAUTICA,ESPRIT,MARC ECKO, and FOSSIL for men. 

A pioneer in online shopping in India, Jabong.com is a fashion hub of the latest trends and styles. Jabong.com promises to fulfill all your style based needs through its wide range of products including clothing for men, women, kids, shoes, accessories, bags, jewellery, sports, home and living products, beauty, fragrances and toys.

A Season Of Hope

Details of the event:

Date of the event : November, 4th, 2012

Venue : Ulsoor lake, Bangalore

Time: 5:30 PM

Dear All,

Every year the month of October, globally is observed as International Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Last year to create awareness on breast cancer,  the HCG Cancer Center Bangalore,  formed the largest human awareness ribbon, where 6, 583 people stood in the form of pink ribbon. This event is recognized as National Record, by Limca Book of Records.

This event drew mass publicity in the media and drew a lot of attention in the city. Moreover, when you do such large activities it takes the brand to a different level.

This year we are planning to form the Largest Human Chain in India, to create awareness on cancer. More than 7000 people will hold battery illuminated pink light to create awareness on cancer around Ulsoor Lake, at 5:30 PM, November, 4th, 2012. This event would be recognized by Limca Book of Records.  

So friends, join us on this spectacular evening and lend a hand in making this event a grand success.

Distance Education- Distancing Students from Education…

When I decided to pursue my studies few years ago, there were lots of obstacles strewn on my path. First, I did not have any certificates of past, as my hubby dear in his fit of madness had once torn into pieces all my TC’s and marks cards. Gone with it were my birth certificate and rest of the important documents which were needed for enrollment in distance education. It was then that I remembered that I had not collected my TC and marks card from PUC earlier, because I was married off in middle of exams back then. So I went ahead and collected those certificates and applied for my B.A. exams.

I heard a lot about distance education which was a boon to students like me who wanted to pursue higher education but could not attend regular college. Unfortunately, my experience for the last three years has been quite contradictory. I have learned a hard way, that by Distance Education they mean creating distance between education and student.

As a hard working student, the evaluation of my papers has shocked me, especially the English papers. It is shocking that people, who are into distance education, do not take it seriously at all. In my first year, I was somewhat surprised with my English language marks which were just 60% because I had done my paper way better than that. As it was not a core subject, I ignored the issue. In second year, my marks in psychology (69), English optional (60) and English language (56) was again way below what I deserved. So I went for re-evaluation.  To my utter shock my marks were further reduced by 35%. When I called up to ask, the person from the evaluation department who is registrar of evaluation told me that this is what I get for not being satisfied with first class marks. He was quite rude to me and said it is the professors who do the corrections and we should be satisfied with the marks they give us. He was short tempered, childish and lacked even basic social skills. I got in touch with the VC who was surprisingly a bit helpful person who listened to my woes and tried to help. He finally could not do anything as the rules say that there is nothing a student can do to challenge the re-evaluation. I let the issue go and continued with my third year.

Once again for the third year in my English papers the marks were way below my expectations. I applied for a photocopy this time around, so that I could check it out with lecturers before going to re-evaluation. Actually, the university had succeeded in scaring me away from re-evaluation as I was afraid they may go ahead and fail me. I wanted to be sure I deserved better marks before going ahead. The photocopies were sent only after the date of the re-evaluation was past. When I consulted the English lecturers in college in Bangalore, they were all of opinion that my papers deserved a minimum of 75% marks where as I got just 44 and 56 percent in them. Nothing could be done as the day for applying for re-evaluation was past. Law and courts were tough things to handle with a special needs child at home. I surrendered to the results and said, let me work hard for M.Sc. now.

If anyone thinks, this is the end of the ordeal, hold your breath for the show stopper. When my marks card arrived, I could not believe my eyes when I saw the results as failed. They had given me 0% marks in two English papers.  I checked the name, the registration number etc just to be sure. Yes the evaluation dept. had done it again. I called up the evaluation department and talked to one of the responsible officers there, who was not willing to listen and said casually“send the entire marks card back to the university and let me see what can be done”. No explanation of what, where, when or how. I called up again, a different evaluator this time who would again not listen initially. I kept persisting with my calls, and finally got his attention. The conversation I had with him was unbelievable. He accused me of not studying, not writing exams etc until I could butt in, when he stopped to take breath, and told him I have the photocopies of my answers sheets that states I have passed the exams. This made him listen to me and he asked “what are your marks in the answer sheets and on the website”. When I explained it, he said it was my misfortune (not their mistake) that this has happened and asked me send the original marks card back to KSOU. I asked him which department it should be addressed to. That made him burst out in anger, that if I do not know this simple thing then how I passed the exam at all.

With the terrible mistake they had committed, there was not a drop of remorse in the evaluation registrars; instead they were trying to make me feel that it was my entire mistake. I had doubts about sending my marks card and waiting for them to correct it so I tried calling up the VC as I had a genuine reason to consult him regarding my situation. When I called his number, a woman representing his office picked up the call and told me that I cannot speak to the VC about marks card issues as this should be discussed only with the evaluation registrar. Though I tried very hard, I failed to convince them that it was necessary for me to talk to the VC.

As a last resort, I called up the VC through his personal number, wondering how he would respond. Fortunately, he was not like his subordinates, not only was he willing to listen carefully but assured me that he would resolve the issue as soon as possible if I could visit his office with required documents. I explained that it would be difficult for me visit him immediately as it  is tough to find a caretaker for my daughter, so he asked me send it along with someone or post it to his office. 

With great help from a Good Samaritan person in Mysore, who visited the university on my behalf quite often, the issue is resolved and finally I received my passing certificate.

What shocked me through my three years experience with KSOU is the attitude of the people who represent distance education. They do not have any respect for the system they are representing. I have heard from a reputed lecturer of KSOU that they hesitate to give marks above 70% in theory papers to students as it is not possible to score more than that in distance education. Though I have passed Psychology with a total aggregate of 73%, I know my papers deserved way more than that. 

With the attitude I have seen towards Distance Education in past three years not only from the educators, but also family and friends, I feel it will only create more distance between a student and education. The people, who seem to lend support for me even when I am down with headache, did not understand what trauma I was going through due to my results. Many rubbished it off, saying after all it is just distance education and such things do happen. Most of the people who were experienced in the field of education said that nothing can be done, and I should just write the supplementary exams. When I tried talking to my study center department, they were afraid to accuse the University of being unfair to a student even when I had proof with me. Thank God, I had the courage and patience to deal with this situation. Whew!

Now I wonder why have the system of distance education at all and make students go through the exercise of writing exam and getting a degree if it does not hold any value.

I hope and pray that people will change their attitude towards distance education and make it is really a boon for those people who due to some unfortunate circumstances cannot attend regular college. Thanks to the VC of KSOU Mr.Rangappa I can now move ahead with my dreams of higher education. 

We Chat.. The New Communication Tool

WeChat.

Recently I signed up for the Sponsored Review program onBlogadda, and I am glad that I did. The first product I was shortlisted to review 'WeChat' on my blog which is an amazing app that is available for free to download from their website http://www.wechatapp.com. This communication tool, about which I had not heard before, supports my HTC Wildfire S Android mobile very well, allowing me to send voice, video, photos and text messages without any hassle from my mobile. Though I have been using Skype to chat with friends through my PC, the app had failed to work on my mobile.

WeChat includes Features like:

•             Voice Messaging

•             Shake

•             Look Around

•             Drift Bottle

•             Facebook Connect

•             Emoticons

•             Group Chat

As there is no restriction on distance, this allows me to chat with my friends who I have not called up in months due to the high call costs. All I did was log in through my facebook account and I could just start a demo chat with Rayyan who was helping me check the app from the next room.

The excellent Social Messaging App claims to have 200 million users’ worldwide across 24 countries, in addition it is the only app to offer Video/Audio calling and voice messaging for free. The app supports 17 languages including English, Hindi, Spanish, Arabic and others. It also supports all different types of mobile platforms like iOS, Android, Symbian (V3 & V5) and Windows.  Unfortunately the option is not yet available for Blackberry phones.

The new version of WeChat (4.3) supports Video and Audio calling so that we talk to friends and family face to face. It also supports Web WeChat which allows us to use the app from PC through the browser. It also comes with additional features like Push-to-Talk Voice Messaging, Group Chat-text & voice (up to 40 people) and Location based friend-discovery social features.  WeChat also offers engaging one-on-one and group chat sessions with an extensive range of animated and custom emoticon and emoji art, customizable backgrounds, and a Rock-Paper-Scissors mini-game.

The app allows user to apply artistic filters to photos and share with friends on chat and Moments wall instantly. In addition with this open API, WeChat users will able to allow user share photo, music, video, games, news and other kind of social content from other third party Application plug-ins without hassle.

The app also provides a secure and robust social networking platform that emphasizes user privacy and fast response performance, as well as it protects user data by offering on-demand contact list backup and retrieval to/from our cloud-based service.

One of the unique features that caught my attention was the Shake interface. All we had to do is shake our phones together to connect which was fun. With the feature Shake users can exchange contact information with nearby WeChat users, or connect with WeChat users worldwide to make new friends. It also enables users to discover WeChat users nearby through the feature Look Around.

This comes with so many additional features than Nimbuzz, Truphone or Fring which do not support video/audio messaging on my mobile phone.

It is time for me to ask my friends to connect with me through WeChat. I just hope the audio and video feature will not be abused where even mere acquaintances will start sending me audio and video messages in place of text messages which is socially considerate. 

The awesome features of WeChat

The Fatal Blow

I, who faced all alone

Each of my enemy’s attacking stone

I, who always stood strong,

To prove my every opponent wrong

I, who never fell down,

But had seeds of my victory sown

I, whom even a rock,

Failed to give a mild shock

I who made everything rebound

And yet stood safe and sound

I, who was very proud,

Of not receiving even bruises

By a pebble thrown by the one I loved

Was broken into pieces

BY: FARIDA RIZWAN

(Dated 13/10/1996)

The one who can hurt you very deeply can only be the person who you have loved. At times I write down something because I love to write but at times my feelings just flows out in form of words... This is one of those feelings. I weakest and most vulnerable I felt was the time when I went through the last cycles of Chemotherapy. Shaken, tired and broken, I almost threw in the towel but then all of sudden there was surge of energy in me, which has kept me pushing even to this day, nearly 16 years down the line. 

IMPROV thinks Pink.. Don't miss the event!

The Cancer Touch.. is all about how cancer affected my life

After surviving cancer for more than 16 years, I want to give back something to people who are walking down the road I have. I like to share information on cancer, along with stories about people like me who have overcome it. If you have something to share please get in touch with me. 

Greetings from HCG Foundation!

HCG Foundation is pleased to bring your attention to our fundraising event in aid of Breast Cancer Awareness, " Improv'- An Improvisational Comedy, with 6 actors, NO Script, For and By the Audience, On October 21st 2012. Please find enclosed our poster for further details.

October - Month of breast cancer awareness.

Spread Breast Cancer Awareness

When I say you need not think you are dying when you hear the doctor say the word cancer you can trust me on that because I am a survivor of invasive breast cancer, III stage, diagnosed at an young age of 29 with history of Cancer in family. I heard those exact dreaded words “ You have got cancer” 16 years ago, as I held a breast feeding girl who was just 11 months old in my hands. She was a special needs girl with multiple disabilities who surely needed a mom to take care of her. So I did not hear the words “you are dying”. Instead I only heard the words "You have cancer". Well, I said let us keep it that way.. I will have cancer but cancer will never have me. My kids need me and I am going to be there for them. 

First, no one have to die of cancer if we ever have it. Cancer is a dreaded disease, but the fear often arises out of ignorance and misconceptions, rather than any reality. So I had to search for positive facts. They were quite hard to find and when found not very encouraging. But my kids were my support and encouragement when they looked at me lovingly, or full of worry at times. So they were the strong push which held up my will power along with my parents. My parents had just lost their first born loving daughter to BC and I could not make them go through that agony again. So I decided to stay alive and fight hard and dirty if need be ;). I would have kicked the cancer hard in the crouch without blinking if only I could see it.

What saved my life was timely detection of lump through self breast examination. It was hard to believe at first that the pea sized knot I felt in my left breast could be life threatening. It appeared quite harmless because of the absence of pain, but to be on safer side I decided to go for medical advice. Doctors advised to go for a biopsy. The Biopsy reports said it was Invasive ductal carcinoma .. stage III. I was sure it was some kind of mistake, but the doctors said they were sure. From that moment onward life has never been the same. 

I went through the treatment and all procedures my doctor suggested. By the grace of God and everyone around me – here I am today. Mom of two teenagers and that 11 month old baby is growing up into a pretty young lady.

We need not surrender to cancer. We can beat it with all our might. All we need is timely intervention from efficient doctors and strong will to kick the cancer butt.

Some information on breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the one of the commonest malignancies afflicting women. In some parts it is the most common malignancy, and in India at present it is the most deadliest cancer found in women. It is currently estimated that one in 14 of all female children born will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

Breast cancer causes:
Despite extensive investigation into the cause of breast cancer there is still no known cause. However, a combination of environmental factors and genetic mutations are thought to be responsible for this cancer. In familial breast cancers, a molecular change in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 play a major role in the onset of the disease.

Breast Cancer Types
Breast cancer is mainly of two types:

• Ductal carcinoma- occurs in milk ducts
• Lobular carcinoma- occurs in the milk secreting breast lobules

Categorically breast cancer can also be divided into following types:

• In-situ breast cancer- cancer cells remains confined within their place of origin and do not attack surrounding breast tissue.
• Invasive or metastatic breast cancer- cancer cells break free of their place of origin, and spread to different parts of the body.

Like all cancer types, breast cancer also progresses through different stages. Breast cancer stages are based on the size of the breast lump or tumor, whether the cancer is in-situ type or malignant, and considering the cancer has spread beyond the breast tissue or not.

Breast Cancer Symptoms

Following abnormalities in the breast anatomy are suggestive breast cancer symptoms:

• Unusual swelling of all or one specific part of the breast
• Continuous skin irritation or dimpling
• Persisting pain in breast
• Persisting nipple pain or inversion of nipple
• Inflammation or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• An unusual discharge from the nipple other than breast milk
• Lump in the underarm area

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
The exact cause of breast cancer is not known, but statistics suggest that breast cancer likely involves many factors like:

Geographical: It is much more common in the western world.

Gender: Women are a hundred times more likely to have breast cancer as compared to men.

Age: Breast cancer risk increases with age. 16% of women aged between 40-60 years have breast-related problems, and complain of breast lumps. In most of the cases, these breast lumps may carry a potential breast cancer risk.

Genetic: A family history of breast cancer will increase the risk of developing breast cancer in a woman by three to five times. Recently, a breast cancer gene (BR CA 1) has been identified. If a woman has this gene present in her chromosomes, there is an 85% chance of developing either breast or ovarian cancer, or both in her lifetime.

Hormonal: It appears to be more common in women who did not bear children. It is also less common in women who have their first child at early age.

Women who started their menstrual periods before age 12, those who delayed menopause until after age 55, and those who had their first pregnancy after age 30 have a mildly increased risk of developing breast cancer (less than two times the normal risk).

Fitness levels and life style related factors such as smoking are also some of the most commonly known breast cancer risk factors that can be checked.

Breast Cancer Prevention:
Cancer prevention though a very ambiguous concept due to their molecular cause of origin, can be achieved through small but effective changes made to lifestyle:

• Restricted alcohol consumption
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Inclusion of limited fat in diet
• Regular exercise
• Avoiding unnecessary consumption of antibiotics
• Reverting to organic food free of pesticides

Besides, long-tern hormone therapy may also undermine breast cancer. But screening is by far the best breast cancer prevention method.

What factors have a protective effect?

Pregnancy and breast feeding have a protective effect in preventing breast cancer.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Screening:

The prognosis of breast cancer is closely related to the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis, therefore screening for breast cancer is extremely important. Numerous studies have confirmed that populations which get screened for breast cancer yield patients having much smaller tumors with much better prognosis. Currently, mammography and breast examination serve as the foundation in screening for breast cancer. Mammography is an x-ray examination of the breast. It has the ability to detect a cancer in the breast when it is quite small, long before it may be felt by breast examination. Eighty-five to 90% of all breast cancers are detectable by mammography. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of breast cancers are not visible on mammography, but can be felt on physical examination of the breast.

The importance of Breast Self Examination cannot be over stressed. A percentage of breast cancers is not seen on mammography and it is extremely important for a woman to perform Breast Self Examinations.

Currently, it is recommended that a woman should have a baseline mammogram between the ages of 35 and 40 years. Between 40 and 50 years of age mammograms are recommended every other year. After age 50 years, yearly mammograms are recommended at women's health care centers.

Other diagnostic tests and procedures:

Ultrasound: An ultrasound is a test that uses sound waves to visualize structures inside the body. It is often used to distinguish between cysts and solid tumors in the breast. Fluid within cysts can be aspirated (withdrawn with a needle and syringe) for analysis in the laboratory.

Biopsy: It is a procedure which involves removal of a piece of tissue to analyze under the microscope. Biopsy still remains the only confirmatory test for breast cancer. If an area of the breast is suspicious for a cancer, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm or deny the diagnosis.

Breast Cancer Treatment:

In recent years, there has been an overwhelming explosion of life-saving treatment advances against breast cancer. So, once breast cancer is detected, one should go for the following treatment options:

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Surgery followed by Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Combined Therapy
• Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy for Breast Cancer
• Hormonal Therapy - Aromatase Inhibitors
• Targeted Therapies
• Complimentary and Holistic Medicines
• Angiogenesis Inhibitors Therapy

Breast Cancer Awareness:
A pink ribbon is universally accepted as the emblem of breast cancer awareness campaign. It denotes the struggle of the breast cancer patients. It was in 1996, when the pink and the blue ribbon was first designed to create awareness of the fact that "Men Get Breast Cancer Too!”

Join hands dear friends and spread awareness about Breast cancer.

My sisters in survival...