Abhinav Bindra to flag off cancer awareness walk

Cancer Care India to discuss evolving National Cancer Policy


Chandigarh, December 6
The eighth general body meet of Cancer Care India (CACI), the apex body of regional cancer support groups from all over the country, is being held on December 8 at Chandigarh. CACI is a registered and recognized body with a net work of 29 member groups, including one in Nepal.
Addressing media persons here today Ms. Renu Saigal, President Cancer Sahayta Sahyog said that cancer, a non-communicable disease, has spread its tentacles in the country. National Cancer Registry shows that there will be approximately 800,000 new cancer cases in India every year. So, high on agenda is to evolve a unified pan India strategy to prevent, detect and treat cancer.
She added that about 60 percent of cancer is completely curable if treated properly at an early stage. But, unfortunately majority of patients suffering from cancer approach specialist at a very late stage when cure is not possible and only palliative treatments can be given to make the patient comfortable and pain free.
The only way to fight the menace of cancer is its early detection. The group’s core motive is to work out means and ways of early detection. Organize doctor meets, continuing medical education seminars to update general practitioners in every city, town and village about the symptoms of various types of cancers would also be a part of the strategy. She advised that government should ensure better coordination of primary, tertiary and specialty hospitals for treatment at an early stage.
The event would comprise of two expert sessions. For the first session Professor Emeritus, PGIMER, Dr. Narendra Wig would speak on psychological aspects of cancer care, while for second session Prof. Radiotherapy, PGI Dr. Firuza Patel will dwell on cancer - prevention and control.
A cultural programme would be held at Government Home Science College auditorium wherein cancer survivors would present a fashion show and cancer afflicted children would shake leg in dance medley. Ms. Kiran Chaudhary, Former Tourism and Forest Minister, Haryana would be the chief guest at the occasion whose theme is Together We Can Fight Cancer.
The even would also mark Cancer Awareness Walk (walkathon) on December 9. Olympian and ace shooter Abhinav Bindra would flag off the walkathon starting form Hotel Taj and culminating at plaza sector 17.
Also present were Vice President Santosh Bhan, Gen Secretary Swatanter Kappor, Administrator Ajay Tuli and other members of Cancer Sahayta Sahyog Chandigarh