A cancer awareness session was organised at the Arya Samaj Temple on May 3 as part of an ongoing lecture series aimed at spreading awareness about cancer prevention and healthy living.
The session was conducted by Meenu Girdhar under the aegis of Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer, an NGO founded by Ruby Ahluwalia with its designated office in the Oncology Department of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research.
Around 40 to 45 people attended the programme, including Sunita Chandwani, who played a key role in organising the event.
During the session, Meenu Girdhar highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare and lifestyle management in reducing the risk of cancer and other major ailments. She stressed the need for regular exercise, balanced and nutritious diets, disciplined eating habits, reduced consumption of spicy food, intake of fresh fruits, adequate sleep, stress-free living and adoption of organic food practices.
She also underlined the harmful effects of alcohol and tobacco consumption, saying that avoiding such habits could help reduce the burden on the country’s already strained healthcare infrastructure.
The participants were informed about the initiatives undertaken by Sanjeevani Life Beyond Cancer to support cancer patients undergoing treatment through programmes such as ‘Can Chetna’ and ‘Can Aahar’. Patients were also encouraged to become part of the NGO’s free-of-cost ‘Satori’ programme aimed at improving emotional and physical well-being.
The session concluded with a collective appeal to work towards making India cancer-free and to eliminate the stigma associated with terms such as “Cancer Belt” and “Cancer Train,” especially in states like Punjab and Haryana where cancer cases have remained a growing concern.
Speakers at the event emphasised that preventive healthcare and holistic treatment approaches are essential not only for individual well-being but also for protecting the nation’s economic and healthcare resources.
