People need not fear cancer, only delay in diagnosis, said V. Shanta, chairperson of Cancer Institute, Adyar.
To take this message forward, the Institute, as part of its diamond jubilee celebrations, is organising an awareness run — Race Against Cancer — on August 3.
“The thrust is on prevention. Cancer can be detected at an early stage,” said Dr. Shanta.
Forty per cent of cancers in men are due to tobacco use, said Dr. Shanta. The Institute will soon launch an exhibition on wheels to spread information on cancer, and its prevention and treatment, in rural parts of Tamil Nadu.
“We had put up awareness messages on 20,000 buses in the city. We will do the same on trains too, within a month. A few call taxi operators too will be involved,” said E. Vidhu Bala, psycho-oncologist at the Institute.
Survivors’ conclaveOn August 2, a survivors’ conclave will be held. For better access to cancer care, the Institute is starting two satellite screening centres in Villupuram and Cuddalore.
An open house for the public to visit the Institute and take a look at the treatment techniques will also be held.
Actor Suriya is the brand ambassador for the run. Cancer survivors and doctors will participate in the run that will begin at Island Grounds at 6 a.m. It will be for two km/four km/eight km.
The public can register on cirac.doattend.com or call on 22351615.
Registration fee is Rs. 300. Concessional registration is available for students.