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.”