Pics: Anush Pandith

Daiijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Feb 4: On the occasion of World Cancer Day, to bring awareness on cancer among youth, Mangalore Institute of Oncology (MIO) organised a walkathon on Monday, February 4.

Flagging off the walkathon Ananth Krishna, president, MIO, said, "The main motto of the walkathon is to create awareness among young generation and students about cancer. There are around 4.5 crore cancer patients in the world and every year it increasing by 1.81 percent. It is estimated that over 9.7 million people are losing their lives due to cancer every year.

“Causes of cancer are plenty. But mainly consumption of alcohol and tobacco causes cancer. Youth should be aware of it. They should work towards preventing cancer and should take leadership to create awareness on the same,” he said.

Jalaludin Akbar, director, MIO, Sanath Hegde, chief operating officer, Dr Lal P Madathil, Jayapalan, Dr Prathima Rao and Sujatha were present.

The walkathon started from Balmata and culminated at the premise of MIO, Pumpwell.

Along with the faculty of MIO, the students of city based schools and colleges, and scout cadets participated in the walkathon.