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Vizag’s first Pinkathon organized on Sunday 29th November was a grand success as thousands of women ran to spread the breast cancer awareness. Led by fitness freak Milind Soman women across all age groups participated with enthusiasm to make the event a grand success.

Pinkathon was a kind of marathon organized to spread fitness awareness among women in major cities of India. In Pinkathon websites own words

“The Pinkathon is more than a Marathon. It is the seed of change. It is the beginning of a movement carried forward by a growing community of empowered women across India, who share a belief that a healthy family, a healthy nation and a healthy world begins with empowered women.

The first step in empowerment is taking control of your own health, respecting yourself and understanding and celebrating the value you bring to your family and society. Empowerment is not a gift of society; it is a gift you give yourself.”

Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri wanted to replicate the Anand pattern experiment at Amul throughout the India. Dr. Varghese Kurien was made the chairman of NDDB and entrusted the responsibility to him. NDDB launched “Operation Flood” in 1970. The bedrock of the “Operation Flood” was the co-operative society model and it helped farmers across the country to launch co-operative societies placing the control of resources in their own hands. The key point to note here is that they succeeded not merely by mass production, but by the production of masses. What they did is

Why spread the awareness?

World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2020 the number of breast cancer cases will jump to an alarming figure and one in every eight women would be at the risk of developing breast cancer in her life time. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) confirms a steep rise in statistics pertaining to women being diagnosed with breast cancer. The scenario is so grave that, breast cancer has been declared the most common form of cancer almost surpassing cervical cancer as the deadliest of all cancers. So, it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to spread the awareness so that our beloved women can take preventive steps as prevention is better than cure or detect the disease early in the unfortunate case of developing breast cancer.

Symptoms of breast cancer

The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass that’s painless, hard, and has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be tender, soft or rounded. Other symptoms include

• Swelling in the armpit
• Pain or tenderness in the breast. Although lumps are usually painless, pain or tenderness can be a sign of breast cancer
• Any change in the size, contour, texture, or temperature of the breast.
• A change in the nipple such as a nipple retraction, dimpling, itching, a burning censation, or ulceration.
• Unusual discharge from the nipple that may be clear, bloody, or another color.

If you notice any of these symptoms, then please visit a professional breast cancer doctor as early detection goes a long way in fighting against breast cancer.

Breast Cancer - Self Examination

Most women neglect/postpone seeking medical advice due to shyness. If you are one of them, there are some steps to examine yourself here

• The Five Steps of a Breast Self Exam | Breastcancer.org
• Breast Cancer and the Breast Self-Exam | Webmd.com
• An info graphic on Breast Self Examination | Nurselabs.com

After the self check, if you feel you have signs of breast cancer, please do consult a professional doctor immediately. Early detection saves you from pain; please do not neglect or procrastinate. We love to see you fit and healthy.

Think Positive

In the unfortunate case of developing breast cancer, don’t panic. With the advancement of medical technology there are lots of weapons in your armory to fight against the breast cancer. Do follow your doctor’s advice sincerely and take healthy food. There is nothing impossible in the world – you can win against breast cancer. If you know someone in your friends or family motivate them to fight against it.

To conclude, prevention is better than cure. Be fit. Take healthy foods. Take preventive health checkups. Our wish – “Happy women – Happy families – Happy India – Happy World!!!

Please share to all women in your circles to spread the awareness. Do your part in helping women fight against breast cancer.

References:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer
2. http://pinkathon.in/
3. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Top-10-foods-that-prevent-breast-cancer/articleshow/17129219.cms
4. http://www.everydayhealth.com/breast-cancer-pictures/foods-for-breast-cancer-prevention.aspx#02