SUPPORT AND CURE

The CURE Media Group hosted its first ever patient-focused track at the Miami Breast Cancer Conference last month. The group brings out the largest cancer-focused consumer publication in the US; Cure had 1 million readers at last count. The meeting was focused on providing patients the opportunity to educate themselves and network with experts in different fields. Treatment methods and clinical trials were discussed at the patient-empowering, day-long event.

RUGBY TO THE RESCUE

Irish rugby players Andrew Porter and Rory O’Loughlin have joined hands with Irish Cancer Society to support the Cups Against Breast Cancer Campaign. Over 3,100 women are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in Ireland, and both Porter and O’Loughlin have family who have been affected by the disease. Porter’s mother passed away due to breast cancer when he just 12 years old while O’Loughlin’s mother battled the disease in 2005. The duo recently took time out to be part of Strides For Life, a walking programme for cancer survivors.

RUNNING TOWARDS THE FUTURE

Canthon, a cancer awareness marathon by Tata Memorial Hospital, was held at Mumbai last month. The event, organised to spread awareness about cancer prevention, was helmed by the Mumbai Suburban District Athletics Association. The marathon, with the slogan ‘Let’s Run Cancer Away’, was flagged off by Shiv Sena leader Anil Desai.

SAVING LITTLE GIRLS

Myanmar’s ministry of health and sports has initiated a mission to kick off a nationwide vaccination drive for the prevention of cervical cancer and HPV by July 2020. The campaign is being jointly driven by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO and UNICEF. Through the campaign, the government hopes to reach out to 4.5 lakh girls aged 9-10 years to provide them with the HPV vaccine. The vaccine is efficient enough to prevent 90 per cent of all cervical cancers.

CATCH IT YOUNG

The ESOINDIA Group, an NGO that promotes awareness about diseases of the oesophagus and the stomach, organised a cancer awareness and prevention camp for students in Kodaikanal. The campaign was held as a result of the joint efforts of ESOINDIA and Mother Teresa Women’s University. Educating students about early cancer detection was the main theme of the campaign, which reiterated the need for early screening, and potential for treatment and curability of cancer at early stages.