Jathas and awareness programmes mark World Cancer Day

Participants at an awareness jatha organised by State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
| Photo Credit: special arrangement

As part of World Cancer Day, the State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology organised an awareness jatha on Tuesday. The march that began from the hospital premises to Lalbagh was flagged off by actor Vasishtha Simha and Kidwai administrator Naveen Bhat Y., who is also the State Mission Director, National Health Mission.

Holding placards displaying ‘Early detection prevents cancer’, around 500 individuals including doctors, nurses, and medical students along with the in-charge director of the institute Naveen T. participated in the march.

On this occasion, Dr. Bhat said that cancer can be controlled if detected early through regular screening and examinations, administering available vaccines, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. 

The State government is providing necessary assistance for diagnosis and treatment of the disease, and the Kidwai institute is providing quality services to patients with state-of-the-art medical equipment, skilled doctors, nurses, technicians and staff, he said.

Mr. Simha said that as soon as the word cancer is mentioned, everyone in the family, including the patient, becomes anxious. “But there is no need to get anxious. If you are aware of cancer, you can defeat it by detecting the disease at an early stage and getting the most appropriate treatment,” he said.

IMA rally

The State branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) organised a rally to mark World Cancer Day. On the occasion, IMA Bengaluru branch president Vijayanand said that cancer that spreads by some viruses can be prevented through vaccination. Besides, some cancers can be controlled by following a healthy lifestyle including a balanced diet, he said.

“The disease can be treated through early detection and proper treatment. People should avoid smoking, consuming alcohol and tobacco, which cause cancer,” he siad.

Over 200 people including the staff of the city’s Regal Hospital and Dasappa Memorial Institute of Oncology along with students participated in the rally and raised slogans against cancer to create awareness among people.