The Pink Power run, jointly organised by the Sudha Reddy Foundation and MEIL, aims to create awareness about breast cancer.
Published Sep 06, 2024 | 8:41 AM ⚊ Updated Sep 06, 2024 | 8:41 AM
Olympian PV Sindhu unveiling the logo and medals of the event in Hyderabad.
Breast cancer affects one in every 22 women in India, with a mortality rate of approximately 12.7 per 1,00,000 women.
The mortality-to-incidence ratio stands at 0.48, reflecting a significant number of deaths due to late diagnosis and limited access to timely treatment. Telangana is one of the states that has recently reported a high number of breast cancer cases.
These statistics were shared on Thursday, 5 September, during the announcement of the ‘Pink Power Run,’ an event organised by the Sudha Reddy Foundation and Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) Foundation, scheduled for 29 September.
The event featured notable guests, including Sudha Reddy, Founder and Chairperson of the Sudha Reddy Foundation, Dr Sudha Sinha, Clinical Director and Head of Department, and PV Sindhu, Olympic silver and bronze medalist.
In high-income countries, breast cancer survival rates after five years are typically between 80 percent and 90 percent, largely due to early detection and effective treatment. In contrast, survival rates in lower-income countries, including India, range from 40 percent to 60 percent.
Fewer than 10 percent of Indian women undergo regular breast cancer screenings, and awareness about the symptoms and self-examination practices remains relatively low.
Sudha Reddy announced the event: “The Pink Power Run is more than just a race: it is a platform for survivors to share their inspiring stories, motivate others, and build a supportive community. Together, we can break down barriers, challenge stigmas, and empower individuals to take control of their health.”
Dr Sudha Sinha highlighted that the five-year survival rate for breast cancer in India is around 60 percent, with late diagnosis and limited access to treatment contributing to this lower rate.
The event slated for 29 September would bring together participants from all walks of life in the fight against breast cancer, offering 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km marathon races, catering to people of all ages and fitness levels.
The survivors and other participants would try for a Guinness World Record by creating a human formation of a bird in pink.
The organisers explained that choosing a bird for the formation holds deep symbolic meaning. Feathers, often associated with freedom and flight, represent the resilience and strength of breast cancer survivors. Much like the Pink Power Run itself, the bird’s collective effort symbolises the power of unity in achieving a common goal.
Olympian Sindhu, the brand ambassador for the Pink Power Run, was excited to be a part of the initiative, which she felt was a remarkable effort by the Sudha Reddy Foundation.
“Sudha Reddy’s unwavering dedication to raising awareness about breast cancer is truly commendable. By joining this event, I hope to contribute to a cause that affects countless women worldwide. On 29 September, we’ll run together as a united force, symbolising our support for those battling this disease and promoting early detection and prevention,” Sindhu said.
During the event, the organisers aim to debunk common myths surrounding breast cancer.
They pointed out that despite medical advancements, breast cancer is still clouded by misconceptions, particularly in India. One myth is that breast cancer affects only older women. While the risk does increase with age, they clarified that breast cancer can occur at any age.
Another common misconception is that breast cancer is always hereditary. They shared that only 5-10 percent of breast cancer cases are caused by inherited genetic mutations; the majority are due to other risk factors, such as lifestyle and environmental influences.
They also addressed the myth that if there is no pain, there is no breast cancer. They emphasised that early-stage breast cancer often causes no pain or discomfort, making regular screenings and self-examinations essential for early detection.
A major myth they dispelled is that mastectomy is the only treatment for breast cancer. They explained that various treatment options, such as lumpectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, are available depending on the stage of cancer and individual circumstances.
They also highlighted the social stigma surrounding breast cancer. Many women do not openly discuss their symptoms or seek medical help due to societal pressures, fear of ostracism, or misconceptions about the disease.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
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