7,000 participate in Yashoda cancer awareness 5K Run

Hyderabad: More than 7,000 enthusiastic people participated in the 6th Yashoda Cancer Awareness 5K Run -2019, organized to mark World Cancer Day with an aim to create ‘Awareness and Fight Cancer’ by Yashoda Group of Hospitals (YGH) on Sunday. The 5K Run was flagged off at Saroornagar Stadium (near) LB Nagar by Tollywood actor Navdeep, in the presence of Dr Pavan Gorukanti, Dr Dheeraj Gorukanti, Dr Abhinav Gorukanti, Phalgun Gorukanti, Medical Director of YGH Dr A Lingaiah, Telugu film actors and local public representatives of LB Nagar.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Pavan Gorukanti said, “It is estimated that around 12 lakh people are diagnosed with cancer every year and this number could rise significantly if preventive measures are not taken. A major issue with the illness is people do not realize the symptoms of cancer until it is too late, and most cancer victims do not seek help until the disease reaches advanced stage which makes the treatment and recovery difficult. The youth and students are pivotal in spreading the awareness among the public very effectively. Cancer is no more a deadly disease... it's curable.”

Telugu film stars Navdeep and others congratulated Yashoda Group of Hospitals for taking this initiative to create awareness among the public to fight against the cancer. They said cancer was causing more panic than all the illnesses that have been tormenting the mankind today. India, and in particular, the Telugu States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, have a huge burden in cancer related cases. Early detection is the key in fighting and survival in cancer cases.

This is the main reason for organizing ‘Yashoda Cancer Awareness Walk’, said Dr Vijay Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, YGH, Malakpet. “We are hosting this awareness walk to fill the gap between knowledge and discussion surrounding this killer disease”, said COO of Yashoda Hospital (Malakpet). Cancer is spreading its dangerous roots deep into the health of society. 12 lakh people are being diagnosed afresh with cancer every year in India. One woman dies of cancer every 5-8 minutes in our country, approximately 10 lakh deaths per year. This number could rise significantly if preventive measures are not taken. “One-thirds of cancer cases can be prevented by avoiding tobacco, leading a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr G V K Reddy, the Medical Oncologist at Yashoda Hospitals - Malakpet.

The 5K cancer run kick-started at Saroornagar stadium proceeded up to Kothapet before returning to the stadium. More than 7000 people from all walks of life including many IAS, IPS officers participated run and made it a grand success. Film actors, Yashoda Hospitals Oncologists, Doctors, Nurses, Staff and especially youth, students joined their hands and pledged to fight cancer.