This World Cancer Day, let’s take cancer for a ride
Mumbai, February 3, 2019:The number of cancer cases in India are increasing every year. According to WHO's Cancer Report in India, there have been approximately 7, 84,821 deaths due to cancer in 2018 and every year almost 11, 57,294 lakh new cancer patients are registered in India.*
Given the increasing incidences of cancer, on the occasion of World Cancer Day which is celebrated on 4th February globally, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC in association with Ride 4 Cause organized a unique initiative to spread awareness on cancer through 'The Cancer is Curable Ride'. Following this year's theme set by the Union of International Cancer Control (UICC) called #IAmAndIWill, 100 bikers rode with very special pillion riders- cancer survivors, to spread hope and a positive message that there is life after cancer. The ride was flagged off at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and continued to Jehangir Art Gallery. Concluding with a special musical performance by Padma Shri awarded Sivamani, the event brought together people from different walks of life to celebrate the spirit of survival.
Mr. Joy Chakraborty, COO, P.D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC said “This World Cancer Day, we want to send out strong message that cancer is curable by making the survivors themselves take a step by going on a unique bike ride across Mumbai. With the alarming incidence of cancer in India, it is imperative to spread awareness about the disease. Through this initiative, we want to convey that cancer is not the end of your life and you can fight it, survive it and come out as a winner.”
According to Dr. Muzammil Shaikh, Consultant Medical Oncologist at P.D.Hinduja Hospital & MRC “We are seeing a slight increase in breast cancer cases in the metros due to lifestyle factors like late marriages and increased incidences of smoking amongst women. The prevalence of rectal cancer has also increased in young patients over the years, owing to an unhealthy diet. While the numbers have increased, we are also seeing more awareness and social acceptance of cancer, it is no longer seen as a social stigma. Initiatives like these are important to spread a positive message that there is life after cancer and it can be cured through early detection and treatment.”
XXX, Spokesperson of Ride4cause said, “We feel very happy and honoured to be a part of this initiative. While we have been associated with numerous causes in the past, it is for the first time that we will have real heroes riding with us. This is truly a unique and excellent way to create awareness about early diagnosis and a promising life after cancer.”
Cancer is slowly becoming an epidemic and early diagnosis is the best way to aid prevention. One should pay attention to symptoms and get check-ups done regularly. Women, especially over the age of 40, should go for regular screenings for early detection. Avoiding tobacco and alcohol is one of the most important health decisions one can make as a part of cancer prevention. Making changes such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise is also an important step towards cancer prevention.
About P.D Hinduja Hospital & MRC
P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Center, which started off as a clinic in 1951, is today ranked as one of the leading Multi-Specialty tertiary care hospital in the country. For over six decades, this institute has worked to ensure that world-class healthcare delivery is provided to all. The hospital has always been an early adopter of technology in delivery of care; bein g amongst the first few hospitals in the country to have Gama Knife technology, Digital Broadband MRI with ambient themes, True Beam Linear Accelerator and more. The hospital has on-board some of the best nationally and internationally recognized doctors. Quality care being the focus, it was amongst the early few hospitals that has been accredited and certified by NABH, CAP, and ISO. P.D. Hinduja Hospital was also one of the pioneers in its space to launch Care@Home and Short Stay Service in 2007 and 2008 respectively. It continues to partner with leading International Institutes, latest being an arrangement with The Division of AIDS (NIAID, NIH), U.S.A, to establish a center of excellence for infectious disease research in India. For its contribution to quality healthcare delivery, the hospital has also been bestowed with Best Multi-Specialty Hospital awards by different industry bodies. In line with one of its guiding principles “Work to Give”, the hospital runs the Serve with Passion rural health programme, under which free healthcare services are provided to the tribal areas in Maharashtra and Dadra Nagar Haveli.
For media enquiries, please contact:
P.D Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre
Bindu Chauhan (022-24447412)
bindu.chauhan@hindujahospital.com
Swapnali.Morajkar (9892592319)
swapnali.morajkar@mslgroup.com