Kolkata: Cancer survivors and members of support groups took part in a walk here Friday on the occasion of National Cancer Awareness Day to spread awareness on importance of early detection of the disease for better chances of recovery.
Holding aloft pink balloons and carrying banners, breast cancer survivors and caregivers led the way from Y Channel to Mohar Kunj in central Kolkata where a cultural programme was held.
Organised by Hitaishini, an NGO working for breast cancer support, the walk saw survivors of other forms of cancer join in to stress the significance of rehabilitation and management post therapy.
They also lit candles to pray for the ailing and departed cancer patients.
Breast cancer is assuming epidemic proportions in India, and is now the leading cause of cancer death in Indian women. Roughly 1.5 lakh new cases are being diagnosed every year and close to 70,000 women die of breast cancer, according to Globocan (WHO) Data 2012.