Fortis
Hospital hosts Pink Walkathon to spread awareness on breast cancer
To help spread awareness
about Breast Cancer, Fortis Hospital, Noida hosted a Pink Walkathon, a 4 km
walk organised for cancer survivors, RWAs and school girls. ‘Early detection of
cancer saves lives’ was the message reinforced by community residents and
diverse participants who walked the Pink Walk.
Dr. Kiran Bedi graced the
occasion as the guest of honour and encouraged women to go for regular
check-ups in detecting early signs of this life threating disease. The oncology
team lead by Dr. Jalaj Baxi, senior consultant, surgical oncology was present
at the event and spoke to women on the early detection.
It is estimated that 1 in
28 women develop the disease in their lifetime, but is higher in urban areas (1
in 22). And unlike the West where women aged 53-57 years are more prone to
breast cancer, the average age of the high risk group in India is 43-46 years.
Every year 115,000 cases are reported and are expected to rise to 250,000 new
cases by 2015.
To contribute to the cause
of raising awareness of Breast cancer, Noida Moms, a platform to connect
mothers of all age groups performed a skit ‘Zimedaari Kiski’ at the event which
highlighted the importance of early detection. The play revolved around the
life of young reporter who ignores her health while reporting the case of
breast cancer for her channel. After the detection of breast cancer, she
realises that breast cancer can also happen to people living healthy lives. The
short play well highlighted the importance of early detection and awareness.
Mr. Pradeep Jaisingh, CEO,
International Oncology Services Pvt. Ltd, India said “Erratic lifestyle is a
major cause of concern that has tripled the chances of breast cancer in females
living in metropolitan cities over their counterparts in rural areas. Late
marriages, delayed child-bearing and reduced breastfeeding are the key factors
leading to the sharp rise in breast cancer disease. It is advisable for women
above 40 of age to regularly undergo a breast self-examination and be evaluated
by a clinician at least once every year or earlier if any abnormality is
detected. Women should get themselves checked regularly for early detection
because diagnosis at an early stage helps 90-95 per cent of patients in getting
cured.”
Dr. Somesh Mittal, Zonal
Director, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, said, “Breast cancer tops all other forms of
the diseases due to lack of awareness and often shyness in sharing the
symptoms. Through our initiatives, we want to encourage more women to not only
go for regular check-ups but also be able to openly talk about the symptoms.
Through this initiative, we also honour women survivors for their fighting
spirit so they can become a role model for others in the society, and also
remember friends and family that may have succumbed to this disease.”
Added Dr. Mittal,
“Cutting-edge technologies have emerged across the world to improve our
understanding of the human body. India has kept abreast of the latest
technology in this field over the last few years, helping doctors reach more
accurate diagnosis than ever before, enhancing the clinical outcomes Our
path-breaking state-of-the-art radiology and imagining technologies such as PET
CT & various other Interventional techniques are transforming cancer treatment
by helping the diagnosis of the disease in its infancy, much before the
physical symptoms have manifested themselves and the disease has reached an
advanced stage.”
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