Bengaluru, August 12, 2024: A vibrant crowd of over 75 bikers took to the streets of Bengaluru on Sunday to raise awareness about lung cancer. Organized by Sammprada Multi-speciality Hospital, the “A Ride to Breathe Free” bike rally aimed to promote early detection and prevention of the deadly disease.
The rally, which kicked off at Jayanagar’s Ashoka Pillar, passed through iconic city landmarks including Vidhan Soudha, Cubbon Park, Kanteerva Stadium, and Lalbagh, before concluding at Sammprada Hospital. Participants, including members of the Special Initiative Riders, Traffic Warden Organization, and Octane Squad, effectively spread the message of lung cancer prevention across the city.
Dr. Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hematologist at Sammprada Hospital, emphasized the alarming rise in lung cancer cases, particularly among women and younger individuals. He attributed this to increasing smoking rates, especially among women and youth, as well as rising pollution levels.
“Early detection is key to successful treatment,” Dr. Naik said. “We urge people to adopt healthy lifestyles, quit smoking, and minimize exposure to pollution. Regular check-ups and vaccinations can significantly reduce the risk of lung cancer.”
To underscore the importance of prevention, Sammprada Hospital is offering free cancer detection screenings and discounted cancer prevention vaccinations for girls aged 15 to 25 years at their JP Nagar facility. All bikers who participated in the rally also received free cancer screening tests.
The hospital’s initiative aims to empower individuals to take control of their health and make informed decisions about lung cancer prevention.