More than 1200 people participated with breast cancer survivors, fitness enthusiasts & doctors in a 5 km Walkathon

Be a breast cancer thriver, not just a survivor!

In a spirited effort to raise breast cancer awareness, Apollo Cancer Centres Mumbai joined hands with The Week to organize a 5 km walkathon at Mini Seashore Ground in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. Commemorating Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the event aimed at fostering understanding regarding breast cancer screening, and the importance of early detection as well as celebrating the efforts of women who have survived breast cancer. More than 1200 persons from diverse backgrounds, including homemakers, working professionals, students&NGOs participated in this awareness walkathon. The event was flagged off by Mr. Babasaheb Rajale – Dy Municipal Commissioner for Solid Waste Management, NMMC, Mr. Santosh Marathe – Regional CEO-Western Region, Apollo Hospitals, Dr. Kiran Shingote, Unit Head, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, Dr. Nita S. Nair – Lead Consultant Breast Surgery, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai Dr. Tejinder Singh – Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai and Dr. Rajesh Shinde, Consultant HPB & Gastro-Intestinal Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with over 2 million new cases diagnosed each year. In India, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 4 minutes. One woman loses the battle to breast cancer every 8 minutes. ICMR’s report released in December 2022 shows more women than men being diagnosed with cancer in India. The report also suggests that in India, for every 1,00,000 women, 35 women will develop cancer every year. Breast cancer is the most common cancer occurring in women in India. 1 in 22 women in urban India have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. 40% of women’s cancer cases in India still present to doctors in locally advanced stages of cancer.

Dr. Nita S. Nair- Lead Consultant Breast Surgery, at Apollo Cancer Centres Mumbai, said “Women’s risk for cancer is influenced by non-modifiable and modifiable factors. Non-modifiable factors are those beyond an individual’s control such as increasing age, genetic mutations, a family history of cancer, and age of menarche/menopause. Modifiable factors can be altered through lifestyle choices and include obesity, unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, and lack of physical activity, exposure to harmful chemicals. Obesity is both a risk factor for breast cancer and a risk of recurrence. Today’s walkathon is our attempt to encourage fitness and health. Breast cancer awareness includes awareness for fitness and wellness”

Dr. Tejinder Singh- Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai highlighted, “The survival rate of patients particularly women with breast cancer is poor in India as compared to western countries due late stage of disease at presentation and delayed initiation of cancer-directed treatment. Today, around 40% of breast cancer cases in India come to the doctor only at a locally advanced stage. Hence, we encourage women aged 40-74 years to undergo routine screening mammography, as early detection enables timely intervention & reduction in long-term complications.”

Mr. Santosh Marathe- Regional CEO-Western Region, Apollo Hospitals said, “Apollo Cancer Centres, Navi Mumbai has a very comprehensive unit including the best of technology, full-time senior clinicians, experienced & well-trained nursing teams, and an advanced rehab program. We have recently launched the landmark Apollo Women’s Cancer Prevention Clinic where our focus is on early detection, which is our strongest tool in the battle against breast cancer. This clinic is managed by our senior female clinicians providing a personalized and timely service to the female population. We aim to empower women to prioritize their well-being, encouraging them to engage in preventive behaviors and make informed decisions that prioritize their well-being. We are confident that we will be able to make a significant impact and improve treatment outcomes.”