Through a poem and a shared journey, IGMH highlights the emotional realities of breast cancer

A feature shared by Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) for Breast Cancer Awareness Month recounts the painful journey of two women who met during treatment and formed a deep friendship. 

The hospital’s post includes a Dhivehi poem recited to express the emotional weight of their shared experience, describing the fear, uncertainty and physical hardship that accompany a cancer diagnosis. The poem is recited over scenes that visually portray the women’s struggles, creating a powerful and heartbreaking narrative. Their names are not included in this article.

The feature describes how one woman’s life, once filled with happiness, was shaken by the sudden news of cancer. Feelings of despair, darkness and overwhelming sorrow are depicted through the poem’s imagery, including references to sleepless nights, painful injections and the emotional toll of treatment. The narrative also reflects the devastation she felt upon losing her friend, who passed away during her own battle with the disease. The poem conveys the shock and grief of witnessing that moment, emphasising its deep emotional impact.

Despite these hardships, the feature highlights her resilience. It describes how faith, prayer and the support of family helped her endure the most difficult periods of treatment. The narrative concludes with her recovery, attributing her survival to divine mercy and the strength provided by loved ones. 

Health experts note that early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, underscoring the importance of recognising symptoms and seeking timely medical care.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women in the Maldives, consistently ranking as the leading diagnosis in national cancer registry reports. Data shows an incidence rate of around 39.8 cases per 100,000 women, with breast cancer accounting for between 14.5 percent and more than 39 percent of new female cancer cases each year.