The Cauvery bridge on Saturday evening was a deluge of eye-catching shades of pink as young women attired in rosy hues crossed the bridge armed with placards, balloons and a strong message.
Besides highlighting the significance of early detection of breast cancer through regular screening, the ‘Cross Cauvery’ walkathon was a show of support to breast cancer survivors through the colour associated with breast cancer month commemorated worldwide every October.
Breast cancer survivors flagged off the walkathon organised by Dr. K. Shantha Breast Cancer foundation, (SBCF) at Holy Cross convent, Mambalasalai. Students from nursing, arts and science colleges, and members from Rotary Club Srirangam, Rotary Club of Sakthi and Rotract Clubs participated in the rally that wound up at E. R.Higher Secondary School.
A meet of more than 54 breast cancer survivors at IMA Hall followed the rally. Women, particularly those working, should not ignore their health and put off investigations like screening for breast cancer, for want of time and family obligations, said chief guest Lalitha Lakshmi, Superintendent of Police. She appealed to students to take up the responsibility of spreading the message that if detected early, breast cancer is curable.
She hailed breast cancer survivors as warriors in their own right who won the battle against cancer.
K.Shantha Breast Cancer Foundation has set a vision 2020 to ensure all women above the age of 40 in the district have access to mammography, a method to detect breast cancer early, said K.Govindaraj, founder . Breast conservation or salvaging the breast by identifying breast cancer early and adopting required treatment is vital, said K.N.Srinivasan, secretary of the foundation. M.S Ashraf, executive committee member, Tamil Nadu Medical Council, spoke.