February 3 2016, 20.54 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
Bangalore: On the occasion of World Cancer Day, Manipal Hospitals today announced the launch of its awareness campaign “Let’s Beat cancer”. Aimed at spreading awareness and educating people against this deadly disease, Manipal Hospitals urged people to quit smoking and alcohol, adopt healthy lifestyle and inculcate exercise in their lives. The campaign was unveiled by popular Kannada film stars Mr. Arjun Sarja and Mr. Dhruva Sarja along with a group of cancer survivors who shared their experience of fighting against cancer.
In a bid to create awareness and drive home the fact that prevention is indeed better than cure Manipal Hospitals conducted inaugurated poster exhibition with key messages. The campaign “Lets beat cancer was unveiled.” A ‘Wishing Tree’ with messages for cancer affected patients was inaugurated in order to honor them and cancer ribbons were placed on the cancer tree and distributed among people to take the awareness to the masses. People pledged against cancer by placing positive messages on the wishing tree and expressed solidarity in creating awareness among their near and dear ones. Informative handouts on cancer care and screening were distributed. Manipal hospital in order to take the awareness to the next level will also unveil a cycling campaign across all its units in India. Also present were cancer patients and survivors to share their experience and journey post treatment.
Speaking on the occasion Kannada film star, Mr. Arjun Sarja said “Today cancer is one of the deadliest ailments across the all age groups and is a matter of great concern for millions who are gripped by this fatal disease. I am happy and proud to be a part of this nobel initiative by Manipal Hospitals and sincerely urge people to take proactive steps in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
According to health ministry data, out of more than 300 cancer centers in India, 40 percent are not adequately equipped with advanced cancer care equipment. India will need at least 600 additional cancer care centers by 2020 to meet the requirements. Annually, nearly 500,000 people die of cancer in India.
Present at the event Dr. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman, Manipal Hospitals said, “Ignorance among the public, delayed diagnosis and lack of adequate medical facilities has given cancer the dubious distinction of being a “killer disease”. Incidence of cancer has increased in India, especially prostate cancer in elderly men besides kidney, penis and intestine cancer. Women suffer more from cervix, breast and ovarian cancers. However, the fact remains that if cancer is detected in its early stages, it can be treated and an individual can lead a healthy life. Regular exercise, balanced meal and staying away from tobacco is the mantra to keep cancer at bay. ”
Present at the event Dr.Somashekhar S.P, Chairman Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre said, “Manipal Hospitals offers an entire spectrum of oncology care ranging from Screening, Evaluation, Diagnosis and Treatment, Palliative care and Rehabilitation.
He further added “Cancer can be treated by surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy . The choice of therapy depends upon the location and grade of the tumor and the stage of the disease, as well as the general state of the patient. Complete removal of the cancer without damaging the rest of the body is the ideal treatment and at times this goal is often achieved with surgery.”
Additionally, there was also an inauguration of cancer survivors group where several cancer survivors shared their experience on cure and treatment at Manipal showcasing clinical competency and excellence in giving them a new lease of life.
