Article Today, Hyderabad:
Hyderabad’s skyline turned pink on Tuesday night as prominent monuments and buildings were illuminated to mark the global campaign for breast cancer awareness. The initiative, titled Paint the City Pink, was organised by the Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation.
Global Connection
The campaign coincides with October, recognised worldwide as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Similar initiatives have been held at iconic global landmarks such as the White House, the Empire State Building, and the Eiffel Tower. Hyderabad remains the only city in India to participate in this format, with Charminar, the Buddha statue, T-Hub, Prasads Imax, Durgam Cheruvu Cable Bridge, and KIMS Hospitals glowing in pink lights.
Raising Public Awareness
Dr. P. Raghu Ram, founder, CEO, and director of the foundation, explained that the objective was to draw public attention to breast cancer and its prevention. He said such visual campaigns provide hope and courage to survivors while encouraging early detection among women.
Importance of Early Detection
Dr. Raghu Ram urged women above 40 years of age to undergo annual mammography screening. He noted that breast cancer has become the most common form of cancer affecting women in India. According to estimates, nearly two lakh new cases are diagnosed each year, and close to one lakh women lose their lives to the disease.
Grim Statistics
The doctor pointed out that every four minutes a woman in India is diagnosed with breast cancer, and every eight minutes one life is lost to it. He stressed that awareness and timely detection are the most effective tools in reducing mortality rates and improving survival chances.
Symbol of Hope
By illuminating the city’s monuments in pink, the foundation aims to highlight the urgency of addressing breast cancer while offering a message of solidarity and resilience to patients and survivors alike.
