AOI holds walkathon against cancer in Vijayawada

Vijayawada: NRI Academy of Medical Sciences president Dr N Upendranath said that awareness, firm will and timely treatment would help in fighting against breast cancer successfully.

A walkathon was organised jointly by American Oncology Institute (AOI), NRI Academy of Medical Sciences and Andhra Loyola Walkers Association on Sunday. The rally started at Andhra Loyola College and proceeded through Yalamanchali Complex, Government General Hospital, Dental College and back to Loyola college.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Upendranath said that 1.63 lakh new breast cancer cases are being identified and about 87,000 women dying which is a serious concern. If the disease was identified in the early stage, it could be cured completely and cancer patients should have determination that they can overcome the disease, he added.

American Oncology Institute Medical Director Dr S Subba Rao said that by the time cancer was identified it would have become chronic and if identified early, there were chances of curing it. No proper awareness, carelessness about health and no precautionary tests are the main factors for these diseases, he said and added that if women feel cyst in the breast or rash on the nipples, pain without wasting any time, they should consult the doctor.

Besides, women after crossing 40 years of age, should undergo Mammogram test once in a year.NRI secretary B Savitridevi, Medical Superintendant Dr T Nageswara Rao, AOI Zonal Director M Mahender Reddy, doctors, staff and students participated in the walkathon.