Walkathon to Spread Awareness About Breast Cancer Held

By 121 News

Chandigarh 29th October:- To celebrate 'Pink October' as Breast & Cervix Cancer Awareness Month, Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society, organized a 'Breast Cancer Walkathon', at Sukhna Lake here. Shashank Anand, SSP, Traffic and Security, Chandigarh flagged off the walkathon.

Hundreds of people from different strata of society took part in the event, to show their support for the cause of spreading awareness to curtail spread of breast cancer & for its early detection & treatment. The list of participants included cancer survivors, senior doctors from PGIMER and Government Hospital, Sec 32, Principals & students of various colleges like IQ Institute and schools like St. Kabir, Carmel Convent, Strawberry Fields, St. Stephen's, St. Joseph etc. Apart from this teachers from St. Johns also took part in the walk. Lt. Col Neelam Thakur along with her NCC Cadets from Army, Air Force and Navy Wings, Army Generals, Veterans and army wives were also part of the walk. Members of NGO's like Triya- Spend For a Cause, Rotary Club, Inner Wheel Club also walked for the cause. SBI Ladies Club, Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association, members of High Court Bar association, CESA- Carmel Ex Students Association, World of Women Architects  and aware citizens of the Tricity , participated in the Chandigarh City 'Pink Walk'.  

It is noteworthy that a doctor's corner was set up to answer the queries of the public. The theme for breast cancer awareness month is 'Breast Self Examination-a Step Towards Surviving Cancer' and 'Early Detection is your Best as well as breast Protection'.

According to Renu Saigal, President, Sahayta Charitable Welfare Society, & who is also a cancer survivor said that October is a significant month for women living with breast cancer. This month, fondly described as 'Pink October' is celebrated all over the world as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is also a prime opportunity to remind women to be breast aware for early detection. The pink looped Ribbon is an internationally recognized symbol for breast cancer. People buy pink ribbons to honour women living with breast cancer, remember those lost to the disease and at the same time support research for cure.

It is pertinent to mention here that the colour 'pink' signifies that with early detection and prompt treatment, every woman has a chance of returning to the 'Pink' of health. The importance that October has for breast cancer awareness can be gauged from the fact that historic landmarks and monuments all over the world are illuminated in Pink in October, to focus worldwide attention on breast cancer awareness.