IKRIS Run launched in Noida to make breast cancer awareness campaign a nation-wide movement
Noida : In the lead up to the Breast Cancer Awareness month in the coming October, Ikris Pharma Network launched the IKRIS Run today. With this event, India’s leading rare disease and innovator drug access facilitator has sought to make breast cancer awareness a nation-wide campaign. A video was also released at the launch.
Dr (Prof) Meenu WaliaDirector, Dept of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Max Hospital, who is also the first DNB Medical Oncologist of India, was the chief guest at the event. The launch was also attended by prominent doctors, medical professionals and members of civil society.Mr Praveen Sikri, CEO IKRIS, delivered the launch address. The event was held at I-THUM IT Park at Sector 62 in Noida.
“Breast cancer is not only one of the most common cancers among women globally, it is also the single largest type of cancer prevalent among women in our country. According to data, breast cancer accounts for nearly 14% of all cancer cases and more than 10 percent of all deaths in India. This is a frightening statistic and people, especially women must not only be aware of the severity and the implications of this dreaded disease but also take necessary precautions. With the launch of IKRIS Run, we hope to sensitize as large a number of people as possible. In the coming two months and by October, we hope that more people will join our campaign as active participants giving further fillip to this programme.We intend to make this run an annual affair for NCR and will be doing the same in all major cities. This is our (Ikris) social responsibility and commitment to Breast Cancer awareness. In addition, we are also thankful to Dr Meenu Walia, a renowned cancer specialist for gracing this occasion and making it a memorable one,” said Mr Praveen Sikri, CEO, IKRIS Pharma Network.
“I am indeed delighted to have been a part of this wonderful and worthwhile sensitization programme on breast cancer. While most of us know the gravity of breast cancer as a debilitating and life-threatening condition, we do not take necessary preventive measures in our daily lives. And so any recognition of the slightest of symptoms must serve as a warning and we should seek immediate expert consultation.The symptoms could range from having a new lump or a swelling in the breast, to any feeling of irritation or pain in a part of it, to any change in its size or shape, or to any abnormal discharge, among others. So, an early-stage clinical screening or recourse to a mammogram becomes critical. At the same time, we should know that not having a physically active lifestyle, being overweight, excessive consumption of alcohol, and not having experienced full-term and timely pregnancy are factors that increase the likelihood of breast cancer in a woman.Women with a family history of this cancer or any related condition need to be particularly wary,” saidDr (Prof) Meenu Walia,Senior Director and HOD, Dept of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Max Hospital, who is also the first DNB Medical Oncologist of India.