Residents take part in Cancer walkathon

LUDHIANA: American Oncology Institute (AOI) organised a 3-km Cancer Walkathon from MBD Neopolis Mall in the city on Sunday. Dr Shibaji Chattopadhyaya, regional director – North, AOI, Dr Neeraj Bishnoi, facility director, AOI, Ludhiana, along with the star cast of Kala Shah Kala, flagged off the walkathon. The denizens of the city took part in large numbers shouting slogans – “Cancer Ko Karo Cancel” in the walkathon starting from MBD Mall on Ferozepur Road to Rajguru Nagar, Housing Board Complex and back, by covering the distance of 3 km in the city. “Cancer is the second most common cause of death in India. It is estimated that close to 4 million people are living with cancer and over 10 lakh new cases are registered every year in India. Alarmingly, 71 per cent of deaths happen due to cancer in the age-group of 30-69 years,” said Dr Shibaji Chattopadhyaya. He said it was important to address the menace of growing incidence of cancer with urgency and in a coordinated manner with due emphasis on prevention, timely diagnosis and effective treatment. There is need for a commitment to help drive advancements in cancer, where we have lot of people with insufficient resources. American Oncology Institute is committed in its endeavour towards raising awareness, inspiring all of us to act against the disease. TNS