Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) & MCCI Ladies Forum organized a Special Session on Health Awareness on 15 December 2023. The Session was addressed by Dr. Pragati Singhal, Consultant, Surgical Oncology (Breast Oncology), and Dr. Amit Mandal, Consultant, Surgical Oncology (Gynecologic – Oncology).

While welcoming the guests, Smt. Nita Bajoria, Chairperson, of the MCCI Ladies Forum emphasized the need for awareness of Breast and Cervical cancer, the two most common forms of Cancer in women worldwide. She mentioned that these cancers are on a fast and steady rise, accounting for more deaths in women than any other cancer in the developing world.

While presenting the global data, Dr. Pragati Singhal, Consultant, Surgical Oncology (Breast Oncology) mentioned that 1 out of 4 individuals have cancer and in women Breast cancer is most common followed by Cervical Cancer. She stressed the need for early detection and monthly screening. She mentioned that India is facing a challenging situation, as in 2016, there were 1,18,000 incidences of Breast cancer. Breast cancer registered was 13.5% of all cancers and 10.6% of all deaths. Also, there is a higher proportion of cancer at younger ages as compared to the West.

Dr. Amit Mandal, Consultant, Surgical Oncology (Gynecologic – Oncology) said that one woman dies of cervical cancer every 8 minutes. It is reported that by 2040 the number of women affected with cervical cancer will double. He said that Cervical Cancer is the only cancer that is caused by viruses, so vaccination can prevent Cervical Cancer.

 Smt Vandana Sonthalia, Member, MCCI Ladies Forum proposed a hearty Vote of Thanks.