Media Release
Udupi, Oct 17: Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, in partnership with Manipal Mahila Samaj, Inner Wheel Manipal and Power Group Manipal, illuminated the Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital & Research Center in pink on Friday evening to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The pink illumination ceremony in the presence of Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal; Dr Ananth Pai, Head – department of Medical Oncology; Dr Sulatha Bhandary, professor, department of Ophthalmology; Dr Anuja, head – fepartment of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care; Deepa Bhandary, vice president of Manipal Mahila Samaj and district treasurer of Inner Wheel Manipal; and Sujaya Shetty, Secretary – Power Group Manipal. Oncology Doctors, Hospital staff and members of the participating organizations also joined hands with the hospital for the cause.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is observed every October worldwide. This year's theme, ‘Every story is unique, every journey matters’, recognizes that every woman's experience of breast cancer is different, and calls for compassionate, timely, and accessible care at every stage, from early detection to treatment and support.
The pink ribbon is the international symbol of breast cancer awareness. By lighting up the cancer hospital block, the hospital aims to remind the community that breast cancer, when detected early, can be treated more effectively. It also encourages women to be aware of changes in their bodies, recognize the warning signs, and consult a doctor without delay, and expresses solidarity with women undergoing treatment, survivors, and their families.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, said, “Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, yet many still come to us at a late stage because of fear, hesitation, or lack of awareness. This pink illumination is a message to every woman in our community: listen to your body, do not ignore early signs, and speak to a doctor in time. As this year's theme reminds us, every woman's journey is unique, and our responsibility as a teaching hospital is to stand with her at every step, with knowledge, compassion and care.”\
Dr Ananth Pai, head – department of Medical Oncology, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, said, “Breast cancer affects not just a woman, but her entire family, and awareness is the first step towards protecting our mothers, sisters and daughters. When breast cancer is detected early, treatment is far more effective and outcomes are much better. I urge all women above 40 years of age to make breast self-examination a regular habit and to consult a doctor without delay if they notice any change.”
The building will remain illuminated in pink on Sunday, October 18, as a visible reminder to the public throughout the observance.
Throughout October, the hospital's doctors will also conduct awareness talks and share information on breast self-examination, risk factors, and the importance of early detection.