Vijayawada: APIIC chief Roja flags off 3K walkathon

Vijayawada: APIIC Chairperson RK Roja said that the aim of Chief Minister YS Jaganmohan Reddy was to transform Andhra Pradesh into a disease-free State and that was why he had included the dreadful cancer diseases in Arogyasri scheme. She flagged off a 3K walkathon to mark the World Cancer Day organised jointly by the American Oncology Institute and the NRI Academy of Sciences at Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium here on Tuesday.

Speaking to the media persons, Roja said that lakhs of women in the country were affected with cancer every year due to lack of awareness. Late detection of the disease and delay in treatment was leading to many deaths. She said if the disease was detected in the early stage, it can be cured. She appreciated the American Oncology Institute's initiative 'NYLA' to create awareness on cancer among women.

Central MLA and AP Brahmin Corporation chairman Malladi Vishnu said by creating awareness among people on cancer, many lives could be saved. He said many more oncology institutes should come forward to create awareness on cancer among people. He appreciated the efforts of the American Oncology and the NRI Institute.

Dr YSR Arogyasri Trust CEO Annam Mallikarjuna said there are about 5.8 lakh cancer cases among women have been identified in 2018. About 10 per cent are hereditary and only awareness among people can control the disease, he added. She said that it was important to control the disease.

NRI Academy president Dr Nimmagadda Upendranath, Treasurer Dr A Mani, American oncology Dr N Subba Rao, Dr Mahendra Reddy, DMHO Dr TSR Murthy, Dr B Srinivas Rao, and others were present.