Fortis Hospital organises breast cancer awareness programme in Srinagar

Srinagar, Oct 5: To create awareness around increasing incidences of breast cancer in Jammu and Kashmir, Fortis Hospital, Gurugram Saturday organised an awareness programme in Dal Lake.

The organisers in a statement said around 150 Shikaras were tied up with pink ribbons in the Dal Lake, 2000 pink balloons were flown in the air, local Kashmiri folk dance by local artists were performed on traditional Kashmiri music, the tourists were given free Shikara rides in the lake.

The event began with a press briefing by Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat who was also the chief guest on the occasion, Senior Director, Medical Oncology, Fortis Gurugram, Ankur Bahl, Centre Manager, Fortis Medical Centre, Srinagar, Farah Farooq, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Fortis Healthcare, Dr Ritu Garg, SBU Head, Fortis Gurugram, Mahipal Singh Bhanot, and Facility Director, Fortis Gurugram, Yash Rawat.

Other senior dignitaries including Additional DC, Srinagar, Khalid Hussain Malik, State Programme Manager, National Health Mission, J&K, Dr Syed Ghazala Nazki, MD & CEO  J&K Bank, Baldev Prakash, CMD and Founder, Mushtaq Group of Hotels, Mushtaq Ahmed Chaya, and Regional Wildlife Warden, Headquarters J&K, Rashid Yahya Naqash were present at the event.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar Bilal Mohuiddin said, “I congratulate Fortis Gurugram on this initiative as it highlights the urgency of combating breast cancer and uniting the community of Srinagar to raise awareness about breast cancer by sending a message of hope, survival, and courage to those who have bravely fought the disease. Together, we need to educate, empower, and inspire hope and save the lives lost to breast cancer.”

Senior Director of Medical Oncology, Fortis Gurugram, Dr Ankur Bahl said, “As per official data, an average of two patients lose the battle to breast cancer daily. Early detection is crucial for achieving a high cure rate, with over 90 percent success at five years if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, 60 percent of women are diagnosed at an advanced stage due to lack of awareness of early signs and symptoms, unavailability of screening, ignorance of personal health and fear of treatment.”

Dr Ritu Garg said that as per the World Health Organisation, breast cancer continues to be the leading form of cancer in Indian women.

“Breast cancer has assumed alarming proportions in Jammu and Kashmir with the latest statistics revealing both rising incidence of cases amongst women in J&K. Through this event, we endeavour to continuously educate the women about the importance of regular screening, self-examination and empower them to take charge of their health,” she said.

Facility Director, Fortis Gurugram, Yashpal Rawat said, “There’s a significant rise in breast cancer cases in Jammu and Kashmir, often associated with genetic factors and familial history. As per records, 9321 women tested positive for breast cancer in J&K during 2019-2023. A lack of timely diagnosis and access to quality treatment is also leading to a higher number of deaths annually. It’s important to know the risk factors and adopt a healthy lifestyle.”