In a pioneering move to revolutionize breast cancer awareness, Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai strides hundreds of men in an unprecedented ‘Men in Pink Walkathon’ at Chennai’s Besant Nagar. The initiative aims to break the barrier and prod the men to start the conversation on women’s breast health. This innovative campaign transforms the traditional approach to breast cancer awareness by engaging men to step up as advocates for their mothers, wives, sisters, and friends breast health screening and early detection.
The #TalkPink campaign introduces a paradigm shift in breast cancer awareness by specifically targeting male advocates. With breast cancer being diagnosed every four minutes in India, Apollo Cancer Centres recognizes the urgent need to break down barriers to early detection. The campaign acknowledges a critical insight: while women often prioritize others’ health over their own, men can play a pivotal role in encouraging regular screening and preventive care.
Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Ms. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, inaugurated the event alongside key Apollo healthcare leaders, including Mr. Harshad Reddy, Director of Group Oncology & International at Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited. The walkathon drew enthusiastic participation from diverse community segments, including:
1. Students from Patrician College of Arts & Science
2. Members of Rotary Club Chennai Green City
3. Members of Rotary Community Corps of Bluewaves
4. Healthcare professionals from Apollo Cancer Centres
“The Men in Pink Walkathon exemplifies the power of collective action in raising awareness for breast cancer. Early detection will be a game changer in cancer treatment, helping save precious lives by ensuring timely intervention and better outcomes,” emphasized Ms. Kanimozhi Karunanidhi during the event.
Dr. Madhupriya, Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology at Apollo Cancer Centre, Vanagaram, highlights the initiative’s significance: “With breast cancer in women being diagnosed every 4 minutes in India, raising awareness and encouraging early detection is the need of the hour. The ‘Men in Pink’ Walkathon is more than just an event—it’s the start of a movement, inspiring men to champion the health of the women they cherish.”
Dr. Mukta Mahajan, Lead Consultant in Breast Radiology at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, adds crucial context: “Breast cancer has emerged as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, overtaking cervical cancer. Nearly 90% of women hesitate to act on their breast health due to cultural stigma and procrastination. The ‘Men in Pink’ Walkathon serves as a reminder of the impactful role men can play in safeguarding women’s health in their lives.”
Breaking Barriers Through Male Advocacy
The initiative addresses several critical challenges in breast cancer awareness:
– Cultural stigma surrounding breast health discussions
– Women’s tendency to deprioritize personal health
– Lack of regular screening practices
– Need for community support in health advocacy
Dr. Asha Reddy, Consultant in Breast Surgery at Apollo Cancer Centre, Teynampet, emphasizes: “In today’s busy world, women often prioritize others’ well-being over their own, leaving little time for personal health care and missing crucial preventive screenings. The ‘Men in Pink’ initiative encourages men to support the women in their lives to prioritize their health, enabling early detection and better outcomes.”
Impact and Future Vision
Apollo Cancer Centres’ ‘Men in Pink’ initiative marks a significant milestone in breast cancer awareness by:
– Transforming male community members into active health advocates
– Creating a supportive environment for breast health discussions
– Promoting early detection through regular screening
– Breaking down cultural barriers and stigma
The campaign aligns with Apollo’s commitment to comprehensive cancer care, supported by:
– A network of over 390 oncologists across India
– Organ-based practice under specialized Cancer Management Teams
– South Asia & Middle East’s first and only Pencil Beam Proton Therapy Centre
– Treatment protocols meeting international standards
The ‘Men in Pink’ Walkathon represents more than a one-day event; it launches a sustained movement to transform breast cancer awareness in India. By engaging men as active advocates, Apollo Cancer Centres aims to create lasting change in how communities approach breast health and early detection. This innovative approach to cancer awareness reflects Apollo’s continued leadership in advancing healthcare outcomes and fostering community engagement in public health initiatives.
