Cancer, a formidable adversary that has touched the lives of countless individuals, has long been a subject of concern and research across the globe. In the face of this relentless disease, a remarkable event titled “INSPIRE INCLUSION FOR CANCER PREVENTION” emerged as a beacon of hope and a platform for knowledge sharing. This National Webinar initiated by Inner wheel District 310 with ICanCaRe Academy, conducted on the occasion of National Cancer Day, brought together an astonishing 644 Inner Wheel members and 11 District Chairmen, making it one of the largest national gatherings on cancer prevention in the country.
Distinguished Chief Guests and Convenors:
The event was graced by esteemed Chief Guests and Convenors who have been at the forefront of the battle against cancer:
1. Chief Guest – AP Preeti Gugnani gave her opening remark and her commitment to the control of cancer. She put forth to influence inclusion for cancer control on 7 points – awareness, screening, early detection, financial aid to help cancer patients, early treatment, research, policy advocacy, reducing stigma, and global unity to win the battle against cancer. She emphasized the HPV vaccine for all women as a means of cancer control. Tobacco is a major killer not only as cancer but many other diseases that need special attention and congratulated Mrs. Sonal on taking this major step in the Inner wheel by empowering women as TOBACCO MARSHALs.
2. District Chairman 310 – Anita Singh as the DC who initiated the event was very happy to bring such a large gathering together and urged that everyone get together to make this a project for the district.
3. Past District Chairman 310 – Sonal Bhatia Convenor and the mastermind for the event put forth that cancer is rising and it is the responsibility of each of us to join hands towards the control of the disease. One factor that can change the cancer scenario is Tobacco, 25% of all cancers are due to tobacco, 15 cancers have been documented and India has the highest consumption of tobacco in the World leading to the highest number of cancer patients due to tobacco, especially oral cancers. She is a tobacco MARSHAL (www.icancare.in/academy/marshal) and leader who trained and inducted more than 1000 tobacco MARSHALS and urged her Inner Wheel sisters to be MARSHAL in society to make a big impact in the long run.
Their presence and dedication underscored the event’s significance and set the stage for an enlightening discourse on cancer prevention.
A Wealth of Expertise:
The event boasted an impressive lineup of Chief Speakers and Experts:
1. Dr. Pawan Gupta M.Ch., Sr. Director and Head Surgical oncology at MAX HOSPITAL, Vaishali, and Founder of the ICanCaRe tobacco Wellness program and MASTER trainer for capacity building for tobacco cessation. He is a renowned authority on cancer treatment and research, Dr. Gupta shared valuable insights into the latest advancements in the field the various causes, and ways to prevent cancer.
2. Dr. Reena Kumar, Academic Director ICanCaRe Academy- Dr. Kumar’s expertise in cancer prevention strategies especially in Tobacco Control was a highlight of the event, providing attendees with actionable steps to reduce their risk. One factor that can change the cancer scenario is tobacco control. She urged each member to be part of the moment to SAVE the youth.
3. Dr. Pravesh Singh: Dr. Singh delved into the importance of early detection and regular screenings, demystifying the process for the audience. She mentioned the relationship between mental well-being as a means of physical well-being.
4. Er. Rishabh Agrawal: Er. Agrawal brought a unique perspective to the table, shedding light on the role of technology and innovation in cancer prevention and care. He showcased the ICanCaRe APP which is a knowledge-based scientifically developed for quitting tobacco and spreading knowledge about tobacco.
Dedicated Promoters:
Behind the scenes, a group of passionate individuals played a pivotal role in ensuring the event’s success:
– District Chairman 301 – Urvashi Mittal
– District Chairman 304 – Beena Shah
– District Chairman 307 – Reeta Sharma
– District Chairman 308 – Seema Kapoor
– District Chairman 309 – Surinder Kaur Monga
– District Chairman 311 – Sandhya Gupta
– District Chairman 312 – Sushma Agarwal
– District Chairman 317 – Vaishali U Lokhande
– District Chairman 326 – Rasika Bahadur
Their unwavering support and dedication amplified the impact of the event, turning it into a resounding success. All the DCs more than agreed to take cancer prevention in a big way. They supported Sonal for a tobacco-free society and to be a MARSHAL themselves and to promote the same in their clubs.
A Collective Effort:
The webinar was not just an information exchange; it was a call to action. Cancer, a disease on the rise, poses a threat to every home. The event posed critical questions: Can we prevent cancer? Can we halt its upward trajectory? Can we make a difference?
The resounding answer: YES. With the right knowledge, collective efforts, and a commitment to raising awareness, we can tackle this formidable foe head-on.
The Path Forward:
As we reflect on the success of the “INSPIRE INCLUSION FOR CANCER PREVENTION” National Webinar, we find inspiration in the unity and dedication of those who participated. Together, we are making strides toward a future where cancer is not just treatable but preventable. All the DCs were urged to promote tobacco moment in their districts and involve as many to be tobacco MARSHALs.
The Association President called for a major event MARATHON to create awareness against Cervical cancer on 10th January 2023 and urged all DCs to participate in large numbers for the same.
This National Webinar served as a powerful reminder that when we come together to share knowledge and inspire inclusion, we have the potential to save countless lives. The fight against cancer continues, and as we do, we move closer to a world where cancer is a word of the past.
Stay tuned for updates on future initiatives and events as we continue our journey to make a meaningful impact in the battle against cancer.
Author: PDC Sonal Bhatia 310 sonalbhatia69@gmail.com
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