The walk was flagged-off from Centre One mall and culminated at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, with the participants smiling and cheering all the way. Rajesh Mhatre, a 38-year old cancer survivor, who participated in the walk said, “I’m alive, cheerful and walking. Yes I’m a cancer survivor and would like to use this opportunity to give this message to my fellow Navi Mumbaikars that you should not fear the word cancer. My existence is a real good proof to the fact that if you face the disease with determination and will, if you strictly follow your doctor’s instruction and have faith in the almighty, you surely will be able to fight this disease off.”
“Ours is a tertiary care hospital closely woven with the communities all across Navi Mumbai. Our growth so far, has been possible only because of the trust and support these communities haveextended to us. So it becomes our responsibility to come up with campaigns that enhances their knowledge on various diseases, enabling them to tackle them skillfully right at the onset. We regularly conductresidential and corporate cancer awareness and early diagnosis lectures and programs” said Dr Ratnadeep Chaskar, Facility Director, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi.
Dr Shishir Shetty, Head of Oncology, Fortis Hiranandani Hopital Vashi, “Societal awareness plays a key role in tackling a disease like cancer, which is 50% physical and remaining psychological. By spreading awareness, we are inculcating a spirit of confidence in the society that if you are brave half the battle is won. Also, it enhances the skill of a person in early detection of symptoms, like recognition of a lump in its infancy, thereby leading to early detection and treatment or noticing severe pain while swallowing food and becoming alert about it.”
Fortis’ walk was actively supported by Navi Mumbai-based partners like Center One mall, Lions Club, Rotary Club, educational institutions like Tilak Education Society and Institute for Technology and Management, religious institutions like Jain Samaj and Indian Merchants Chamber, Vashi.
According to India cancer statistics, obesity and lack of physical activity are associated with increased cancer risk. Incidence rates for oral cancer in India are among the highest in the world. Oesophageal cancer is the second most common cancer among males and the fourth most common cancer among females. Cancer of the female reproductive tract has a high incidence amongst Indian women.The incidence of breast cancer in India is increasing, with an estimated 80,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The incidence of breast cancer increased by approximately 50% between 1965 and 1985.
Fortis Hiranandani Hospital is the only hospital of its kind in Navi Mumbai with a full-fledged diagnosis and treatment centre for cancer. It has got an excellent team of oncologists and onco-surgeons for treating all kinds of cancer. The hospital has got a one stop colorectal clinic, which is well equipped with technologically advanced equipments for conditions affecting the appendix, colon, rectum and anus and offers comprehensive specialist care for the complete range of colorectal disorders including colon cancer.
