Breast Cancer Awareness:MSSH organizes The PINK RUN:300 Women Took Part in It

By 121 News

Chandigarh 31^st October:- In a unique show of solidarity, around 300 women, from all walks of life gathered at the sukhna lake to participate in THE PINK RUN, which was organized by Max Super Speciality Hospital Mohali in association with SHE(Sacred Heart Ex-students association) to commemorate the Breast cancer awareness month. The run was flagged off by Mayor of Chandigarh, Ms Poonam Sharma and led by the Oncology team of Max Super Speciality Hospital Mohali.In a morning full of fun and festivity, the 3km PINK RUN was the highlight of the event, in which senior oncologists,  Dr Sachin Gupta, Dr Sunandan Sharma, Dr Ritesh Pruthy, Dr Pankaj Kumar, Dr Gautam Goyal, Dr Shaveta Gupta and Dr Sajal Kakkar along with the Chandigarh Mayor, Poonam Sharma participated with full vigour . It was an interesting demonstration of spreading awareness on Breast Cancer to drive home the message of early detection of cancer, preventive measures to be taken, treatment possibilities and how to keep a positive attitude in life.. Amidst other activities were skit on cancer awareness and yoga sessions, and informative talks on 'holistic healing' for cancer patients.

During the program, Ms Poonam Sharma insisted that unlike the past, Breast cancer is no longer a social taboo. "The word cancer; in itself, is enough to strike fear. However thanks to early detection and treatment options, this is a treatable disease. She appealed to the audience that you can also help in the prevention of Breast Cancer, by spreading awareness and informing people about it and how it can be prevented. She further appeals that start today by talking to your friends and relatives and encouraging them to get their annual check-up done.

Sandeep Dogra, Vice President and Zonal head, Max Hospitals Punjab said that  Max Cancer Centre is equipped with the most advanced key medical techniques and equipments to combat cancer. Max Cancer Centre is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure with facilities for chemotherapy, surgical oncology, radiation oncology and rehabilitation. We are equipped with the most advanced key medical equipments like LINAC for Radiotherapy, 1.5 T MRI & 16 slice CT which is technologically the most advanced and a first in the region, to combat cancer at the grass-root level. The aim behind setting up Max Cancer Centre is to enhance patient convenience and make world class cancer treatment accessible to people in Tier 2 cities of India. 

Dr Sachin Gupta, Senior consultant, Medical and Hemato Oncology advised that the first noticeable symptom of breast cancer is typically a lump that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue. If detected early many cases can be cured and therefore screening is important even if women show no symptoms. Early cancer detection and treatment lead to higher chances of survival. Breast cancer a disease that develops from the breast tissue remains one of the most Prevalent types of cancer to attack women.

Women must get an annual screening for breast cancer. This includes Mammography (for women above 40) and sonomammography (for younger women) revealed Dr Shaveta Gupta, Consultant, Gyane Oncologist. She said that in India, over half the patients reach the doctor in stage three and four, where the rate of survival goes down. Worldwide, breast cancer accounts for 22.9% of all cancers in women . It is very evident from statistics that the incidence of breast cancer is rapidly rising in india . One of the most common cancers in urban areas in India , it accounts for upto one third of all cancers in women, informed Dr Pankaj Kumar Radiation Oncologist.  Dr Sajal Kakkar, consultant, radiation oncology shared how women in the West scheduled their breast cancer screening on special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.