More than 150 college students marched in the morning from St. Joseph’s College to Sree Kanteerava Stadium, distance of 1.5 kms, in a display of unity and support during the ongoing Breast Cancer Awareness Month. They were carrying placards highlighting the importance of prevention, early detection and support for all women affected by the disease.
Said Dr Vinod Ramani Consultant Preventive Oncologist Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru "Breast cancer has become the leading cancer affecting women in India, with rates steadily rising due to lifestyle shifts, delayed marriages, reduced breastfeeding, and increased awareness leading to more diagnoses. This Walkathon symbolizes our solidarity with the breast cancer community, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection in saving lives. We encourage every woman to make self-examinations a habit, and especially those over 40 to undergo an annual mammogram or clinical breast exam. Together, let’s commit to a future where breast cancer is no longer a threat."
SaidDr. Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Hematologist, and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician at Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru: “Breast cancer is a significant health issue in India, with rising incidence rates in recent years. It is the most common cancer among women.Factors contributing to its rise include lifestyle changes, late marriages, low breastfeeding rates, and increased awareness and detection. This Walkathon was organized to show our support for the breast cancer community and encourage early detection for effective treatment and improved outcomes. We urge all women to regularly perform breast self-examination. All of them, and especially those above 40 years old, must undergo mammogramsor clinical breast exam once a year. This can save thousands of lives. Let us all pledge to create a world free of breast cancer.”
October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month to create awareness about the importance of early detection, prevention, and screening of breast cancer.