December 9, 2019: Fortis Memorial Research Institute (Gurugram) in association with Rajnish Hospital organized an open session to create awareness around breast and cervical cancer, during ‘The Pink Purple Run’.

Dr. Ashu Abhishek, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Gurugram and the group ‘Maston ka Jhund’ comprising of total 10 runners started the Pink Purple Run from Gurugram to Jaipur, with an aim of covering 210 kms to spread awareness on women cancers in the villages and cities the runners cross. Dr. Abhishek and runners joined the session in Shahpura after completing 150 kms on foot.

The session was attended by over 400 women from Shahpura and neighboring cities where they were educated on the emphasis of early and timely screening. Unfortunately, many unnecessary cancer deaths occur due to lack of awareness about symptoms and thus there is a need for screening.

During the event Dr Rama Joshi, Director& Head, Gynecology Oncology,FMRI said,  “This walkath on is an effort to spread awareness with the theme- Be aware, Prevent and Cure. The cancers can be cured if regular and periodic screening is done. Awareness and timely screening play a key role in prevention and early diagnosis. Through this run to Jaipur, our team of doctors are spreading message of early screening and diagnosis to women in different cities and villages with the aim to make India free of Cervical Cancer”. 

In India each year approximately 1,60,000 women are diagnosed with gynecological cancers and the most widespread cancer is cervical cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among females. An ICMR study stated that the age-standardized rate of breast cancer is approximately 25.8 per one lakh women and is expected to rise to 35 per one lakh women by 2026.

Dr. Niranjan Naik, Director, Surgical Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute said,“ In India it's affecting younger population, a decade earlier compared to their western counterparts. Timely marriage, timely pregnancy and adequate breast feeding have protective effect.  At this session in Shahpura our aim is to educate the women of the city and surrounding the Fortis Pink Purple walkathon 2019 is an effort to create awareness among women to educate them to identify the early warning signs of women cancers.”

Talking about expectation on his marathon run from Gurugram to Jaipur, Dr Ashu Abhishek, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, FMRI said, “Our run from Gurugram to Jaipur is a manifestation of our commitment to living healthier and being stronger. We have halted at Shahpura with an aim to cover major cities and towns on our way to Jaipur and spread awareness that incidence of cancer has risen dramatically in recent times. Lifestyle changes is one of the major reasons behind this. “