District health department conducts cancer awareness cycle rally

Mohali: In connection with the World Cancer Day, the district health department in collaboration with Fit Foundation organised a Cycle Awareness rally here today. Civil Surgeon Dr. Adarshpal Kaur flagged off the rally from the District Hospital today morning. More than 50 cyclists belonging to various clubs like Cyclegiri, Chandigarh Cycling Club, Cyclegarh etc. participated in the awareness drive.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Adarshpal Kaur said that people with low income, lack of educational qualifications, and disabilities face considerable barriers in availing care for cancer. She added the use of tobacco, cigarettes; betel leaf is a major cause of cancer in India. It is possible to cure a deadly disease like cancer, it should be detected in time and therefore timely diagnosis is very important. Talking about the causes of cancer, the Civil Surgeon said that tobacco use is the cause of cancer in 40 out of 100 cancer patients in India. Tobacco is the leading cause of six major cancers. “Cancer can affect people of all ages,” she said. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and air pollution are risk factors for cancer and other non-communicable diseases. The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon and rectum and prostate cancers. She said that many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively.
Every participant was awarded with the T-Shirt and Certificate. Notably, Mr. Rupesh Ku. Bali, who was recently featured in the Guinness Book of World Record of more than 32000 km of pedaling also participated in the drive. On this occasion, Senior Medical Officer Dr HS Cheema, Fit Foundation Co-Founders Akash Walia and Mangesh Soni, Dr. Parminderjit Singh, badminton coach Taranjit Singh, media in-charge Rajeev Tuli and other officials were present.