Ahmedabad, Nov 12 (NationPress) In honor of National Cancer Awareness Day, numerous initiatives were held throughout Gujarat aimed at raising public consciousness about this life-threatening illness, alongside campaigns to screen individuals for this serious disease.

The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute (GCRI), located in Ahmedabad, marked World Cancer Day with a special event highlighting the significance of ‘celebrating cancer heroes within our society’.

Additionally, the institute set up thousands of cancer screening camps in rural regions of the state. A complimentary walk-in cancer screening OPD was also available, allowing the public to easily receive testing.

Remarkably, the esteemed medical facility has conducted screenings for over 50,000 individuals in the last three years and has organized numerous rural camps and free walk-in OPDs.

Every year, the National Cancer Awareness Day is observed in the state, a tradition that began in 2014. Since then, events have been organized annually to promote awareness about cancer. This year was no exception, with many initiatives aimed at educating the public on cancer and preventive measures.

Through health camps, seminars, and awareness rallies, attendees were informed about lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of cancer.

Gujarat Health Minister Praful Pansaria commented, "We have disrupted our natural environment significantly. The overuse of chemical medications and processed foods has escalated. Our eating habits have declined, and the rise in tobacco use is leading to increased cases of oral and throat cancer. It’s crucial now to improve our lifestyle choices."

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Gujarat government has made notable progress in cancer awareness and treatment. The GCRI Ahmedabad serves as a prime example of this success, having established itself as a top cancer treatment center not just in the state, but nationwide.

Institute Director Shashank Pandya stated, "Cancer prevention is entirely achievable if we adopt some changes in our daily routines. Quitting tobacco and smoking immediately, exercising regularly, and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables are essential. By making small adjustments, we can steer clear of diseases like cancer."

Pandya elaborated that breast and cervical cancers are the most prevalent among women, whereas lung, oral, and prostate cancers are more common in men.