Aarogya (http://aarogya.me/), a one-day international conference on cancer prevention will be organized at Hyderabad on Sunday, May 13th; in the presence of many prominent celebrities and industry stalwarts who have been cancer survivors themselves. Celebrities like actress Gautami, noted classical danseuse Ananda Jayant, along with special invitees Dr David Christopher and Jeremy Ann Anderson will attend the event and share their experiences.
The conference, to be inaugurated by Dr C Laxma Reddy, Minister for Health, Govt. of Telangana, emerges from the need to create awareness around cancer and help people understand that there’s a way around the “C - word”. The mission of this day-long event is to focus on not just the treatment; but also, on early diagnosis and steps that can be taken today to prevent cancer.
According to a recent study conducted by Jama Oncology, 50% of cancer cases diagnosed are preventable. And the nature of cancer control is changing, with an increasing emphasis, fueled by public and political demand, on prevention, early diagnosis and patient experience during and after treatment.
Commenting on the conference, Mr. Pankaj Singh, Founder, Aarogya said, “This is not just any social cause that we decided to take up. This is born from first-hand witnessing what cancer does to a family and a personal understanding of the pain and sufferance. Cancer leaves families with so many unanswered questions - “Why us?”, “What can we do to make sure this never happens to us or to anyone else?” This program is created from a humane and urgent desire to reach out to people and tell them that we are eager to fight it with them.”
“With talks by notable doctors who are pushing research and providing alternative methods to prevent cancer, and by survivors with their stories to share, the conference is a great way to not only interact but witness how medical advancements work to both cure cancer and be equipped with the knowledge to prevent it,” he added.
The conference kick-starts with an audience that acknowledges this disease and wants to hear the collective experiences of how each has or is dealing with cancer. It is looking at these key discussion points for an effective dialogue: