Emphasis on healthy living to lower risk of disease

LUCKNOW : Several awareness events were organised in the city on Thursday to mark World Cancer Day.

KGMU’s endocrine surgery department held its monthly meeting of the Lucknow breast cancer support group on the occasion while the Lucknow Cancer Institute (LCI) conducted a free cancer awareness and check-up camp in association with the HEAL foundation.

“The theme of the meeting was lifestyle modification and healthy living as a risk reduction strategy for cancer prevention,” said Dr Anand Mishra, professor and head of endocrine surgery department at KGMU. The Aastha Old Age Hospital and Hospice conducted special OPD for elderly to mark the day.

Dr Reha Rakholia, Dr Arun Kumar and Dr Umendra Upadhyay from the LCI gave consultancy to patients, said Animesh Upreti of LCI, in a press statement. Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospitals initiated a campaign pledging to stand united in the fight against cancer and Covid. It aims to honour cancer survivors with a wall having their hand imprints which will be installed on the premises.

Mayor Sanyukta Bhatia, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said: “The year 2020 has been tough for everyone, especially for people living with a disease like cancer. Along with a good doctor, sophisticated equipment and advanced diagnostic services, fighting a complex disease like cancer requires will power and spirit.”

Medical Oncologist at Apollomedics Hospital, Dr Harshwardhan Atreya said, “Cancer makes the immune system weak thus making it harder for you to fight infections, including Covid. Covid is not gone, but with vaccination, people can have a sigh of relief against the virus.”