Chandigarh/Ludhiana, Oct 31:
Continuing its steadfast commitment to spreading awareness about breast cancer and providing free medical check-ups, the Krishna Pran Breast Cancer Charitable Trust—headed by Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora organised Unite for Pinktober, a breast cancer annual awareness event at Guru Nanak Bhawan, here today.
The event was graced by renowned TV & Film Indian actress Hina Khan and Seema Bansal, Vice-Chairperson of the Punjab Development Commission, both breast cancer survivors, who shared their deeply personal journeys. The session was moderated by Nomita Khanna and Shweta Jindal.
During an engaging interaction, Hina Khan, who was diagnosed with stage-three breast cancer in 2024, expressed gratitude to Minister Sanjeev Arora for inviting her to amplify the message of cancer awareness, particularly breast cancer. She recounted her battle with the disease and how she emerged stronger, more resilient, and empowered.
Khan urged the audience to remain vigilant and attuned to their bodies’ signals. She strongly advocated for self-detection, emphasizing the need to normalize conversations around cancer and confront it without fear. “Perform self-examinations every fortnight,” she advised. “Any unusual changes—lumps, skin dimpling, or discharge must prompt immediate medical consultation.
Khan also shared her life philosophy: “Live in the present. Don’t dwell on the past or fear the future. Face challenges with willpower and positivity.”
Seema Bansal shared that early detection is the cornerstone of successful treatment. She highlighted that simple, accessible tests like mammograms can rule out cancer at an early stage, significantly improving survival rates. “Breast cancer is highly curable when detected early,” she asserted, calling for greater public education and destigmatization of the disease.
In his emotional address, Minister Sanjeev Arora underscored the global significance of October as Pink Month—observed worldwide since 1985 to promote breast cancer awareness. He extended heartfelt thanks to Hina Khan and Seema Bansal for lending their voice to this critical cause.
“Self-examination is the most powerful tool we have to reduce breast cancer mortality,” Arora stated. “It empowers individuals, saves lives, and increases the survivor rate dramatically. Never ignore or underestimate symptoms—early action is everything.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Arora paid tribute to his late parents, Krishna and Pran Arora—after whom the Trust was named. With tears in his eyes, he shared: “Had my mother been diagnosed earlier, their lives might have been saved. That pain drives me to ensure no family suffers the same loss due to late detection.” He proudly announced that the Krishna Pran Charitable Trust has adopted over 350 patients and conducts regular awareness drives and medical camps. “Our mission is not just treatment—it’s prevention through education and early intervention,” he said.
Arora urged collective action and urged for united—not just in October, but every day—to make breast cancer a disease of the past through awareness, access, and attitude.
Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Jain appreciated the Cabinet Minister Sanjeev Arora for doing a noble work for creating mass awareness against breast cancer and helping the Cancer patients financially. He said that trust is also doing a wonderful job for ensuring affordable healthcare to everyone.
Dr Gurpreet Wandar, Dr Sandhya, Dr Bishav Mohan were among those who spoke on the occasion and gave their medical advice to prevent breast cancer and other forms of cancer. They said not only women, but men also suffer from breast cancer. They said Cancer is curable these days and new therapies are coming up with every passage of time and there is no need of scare of the disease.
On this occasion, Rajya Sabha Member Rajinder Gupta, State Information Commissioner Harpreet Sandhu, Municipal Corporation Commissioner Aditya Dachalwal, Chief Administrator GLADA Sandeep Kumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Rural Development) Amarjeet Bains, Assistant Commissioners Dr. Pragati Rani, Payal Goel, SDM Jasleen Kaur Bhullar, Civil Surgeon Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, renowned industrialist Padma Smt Rajni Bector, Gagan Khanna, Amit Thapar, Reena Gupta, Rajni Gupta, Madhu Gupta, Sanjana, Ishita and others were present.
