Chennai, 29th January 2023: Ahead of World Cancer Day (which falls on Feb 4th ), Kauvery Hospital Chennai organized a Run to spread Cancer awareness on Sunday at the Olcott Memorial Higher Secondary School, Besant Nagar. The initiative had both 10 km and 5 km categories. Over 3500 participants which included fitness enthusiasts, professional runners, families, corporate employees, and students volunteered to show their support for cancer awareness.
Cancer is one of the most dreaded disease across the world. However, with advanced treatments and technologies cancer is now treatable. “Though there has been an increase in diagnostics and screening facilities, the awareness on regular screening is still lacking among many. In its early stages, the symptoms may not be too intense or one cannot feel any pain, and hence certain symptoms like persistent ulcers, prolonged cough, blood in stools, lump in the breast or change of voice, white discharge in women, etc are often overlooked. In some cases, cancer is detected during a regular health checkup, where the individual may not have realized the symptoms. Therefore awareness on the symptoms, early detection, and diagnosis are key to improving the survival rates of Cancer. We wanted to create this awareness among the public, through the cancer awareness run. I thank the participants for supporting a good cause.,” says Dr. A.N. Vaidhyswaran, Director Radiation Oncology, Kauvery Hospital Chennai.
“Cancer care has seen a lot of advancements in recent years, and we have a multi-modality and individualized approach in the treatments. We are constantly trying to create awareness on cancer, and this is the first time we have organized a run with a massive gathering. Our main aim is to create awareness on the prevention and early detection of Cancer. We are pleased to see such an overwhelming response to the noble cause. Through this run, we also encourage people to make fitness a part of their routine. I appreciate all the runners for their enthusiastic participation, and I extend my gratitude to the Chennai Traffic Police and the Greater Chennai Corporation for their support,” says Dr. Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-Founder, and Executive Director Kauvery Hospital Chennai.
The 10 Km run was flagged off by Dr. Prithika Chary, Senior Consultant Neurologist & Neurosurgeon & Chief Neurologist, also a Cancer Survivor. Speaking about the initiative she said, “In December 2016 I was detected to have cancer Rectum Grade 3 during my routine health checkup.I had typical symptoms of immense fatigue, alternating diarrhoea & constipation & frequent abdominal pain & bloating for the previous 3 months. Even being a doctor I ignored this & thought I was tired because I was doing too much. My Hb on routine MHC was 7 G & then we could connect everything. My cancer was Grade 3 but if I did the checkup 6 months earlier it might have been a lower grade. I was lucky! And I am a survivor with good quality of life.Routine health checkups can diagnose & pick up many cancers early. Don’t ignore any unusual symptoms – just go for a master health checkup. Risk factors for cancer rectum are age over 60 yrs, obesity, diabetes, genetics, positive family history. Act today – don’t ignore symptoms – see your doctor – early detection is treatable.”
The 10 km run had winners from both men and women categories spanning across age groups such as 16-35, 31 -45, 45-60 and above 60 years of age.
The run also had a Mammo bus stationed at the venue which provided free mammogram screenings for women above 40 years of age. The Mammo Bus will be stationed at different localities such as the Madras High court, Nokia office, Tidel Park, Ashok Leyland, RAPRA, RA Puram till 9th February 2023, in a phased manner.
