Tag: Cancer Awareness

Health

Cardiovascular Diseases Account for 17% of Deaths in Goa: Dr Roque Wiseman Pinto

Tanisha Cardozo

Cardiovascular diseases account for 17 per cent of all deaths in Goa, making them the single largest cause of mortality in the state, senior pathologist Dr Roque Wiseman Pinto said on Saturday.

Dr Pinto was speaking at an interactive presentation titled ‘Life’s Journey – The Long Haul’, organised as part of the centenary celebrations of Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias in Panaji. Drawing from his long engagement with medical records and postmortem data, including a 2008 study on mortality patterns in Goa, he underlined the growing burden of heart disease in the state.

“At the medical records department, I studied postmortem reports, pathology findings and death certificates and found that cardiovascular diseases were the most common cause of death among people in Goa, accounting for about seventeen per cent,” Dr Pinto said.

He attributed the rise in heart ailments to lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption and drug use, along with underlying conditions like hypertension and diabetes. According to him, cardiac conditions including myocardial infarction, arrhythmias and heart failure are increasingly affecting younger individuals. “Usually heart attacks would occur in older people, sixty years and above, but in the last ten years we have seen younger people with heart attacks,” he noted.

Dr Pinto also highlighted the high prevalence of diabetes in Goa, stating that nearly one in four people in the state are affected. He warned that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, stroke, dementia and organ damage. He pointed out that diabetic foot remains a major concern, with Goa Medical College performing an average of one amputation daily, either of a toe or an entire leg.

Addressing cancer, he said that around 30 per cent of cases are linked to smoking and passive smoking. He explained that cancer develops due to genetic changes, including in oncogenes and repair genes, and that environmental and lifestyle factors such as pollution, alcohol, certain occupations, infections and food additives also contribute to risk.

On pollution, Dr Pinto cited extensively studied cases in Delhi, where air pollution has been linked to construction activity, vehicular emissions and industrial operations. In Goa, he identified mining areas, coal handling, industrial estates and road construction as emerging concerns. He warned that pollution can lead to severe lung and respiratory diseases and may even affect unborn children through the placenta.

Emphasising preventive healthcare, Dr Pinto stressed that lifestyle choices remain the primary determinant of health outcomes and urged individuals to adopt healthier habits to reduce the growing burden of disease in the state.

Social

HDFC Bank Parivartan to Field Largest Corporate Contingent at Mumbai Marathon 2026 for Cancer Awareness

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank announced that it will field nearly 1,500 employees at the Tata Mumbai Marathon 2026 through its CSR programme Parivartan, making it one of the largest corporate contingents at the event. Scheduled to be held on January 18, the initiative aims to support cancer awareness and promote the importance of early detection in partnership with the Indian Cancer Society, India’s oldest non-profit organisation dedicated to cancer care.

Under its Healthcare and Hygiene pillar, HDFC Bank Parivartan focuses on improving access to primary and preventive healthcare, strengthening health infrastructure and encouraging positive health-seeking behaviour within communities. The collaboration with the Indian Cancer Society at the Mumbai Marathon reinforces this commitment, highlighting how early detection can significantly improve cancer treatment outcomes.

As part of the initiative, the Indian Cancer Society will also field over 100 runners, including young cancer survivors and its employees, bringing visibility and inspiration to the cause. The participation of survivors adds a powerful human element, underscoring resilience, hope and the impact of timely diagnosis.

Commenting on the initiative, Kaizad Bharucha, Deputy Managing Director of HDFC Bank, emphasised the Bank’s responsibility towards community well-being, noting that the marathon represents a collective effort to raise awareness and encourage early screening. He highlighted that this is among the largest employee volunteer contingents HDFC Bank has fielded for the event to date.

Indian Cancer Society’s Hon. Secretary and Managing Trustee, Usha Thorat, expressed gratitude for HDFC Bank’s continued support, stating that awareness remains the first and most critical step in improving cancer outcomes in India, where fear, stigma and lack of information often delay diagnosis. She noted that seeing cancer survivors participate in the marathon sends a strong message of courage and hope.

To mark the collaboration, the Indian Cancer Society has conducted cancer awareness sessions for HDFC Bank employees and organised screening camps at select locations. Beyond this marathon initiative, HDFC Bank Parivartan continues to support healthcare programmes across the country, including partnerships with institutions such as the Gujarat Cancer Society and Tata Memorial Hospital, reinforcing its long-term commitment to building healthier and stronger communities across India.

Entertainment

Dipika Kakar’s Emotional Battle With Stage 2 Liver Cancer: Hair Loss, Hope & Healing

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Popular television actress Dipika Kakar, best known for her roles in Indian television dramas, continues to bravely fight her battle against stage 2 liver cancer, a diagnosis she first revealed in May this year.

In a heartfelt vlog shared recently, Dipika admitted that while she has slowly adapted to the side effects of treatment, one particular struggle remains deeply painful — extreme hair loss. She described how after a shower, the sight of hair falling in large amounts leaves her shaken, forcing her to withdraw into silence for several minutes. “It is very scary for me,” she confessed.

Despite these emotional lows, Dipika also shared encouraging news with her fans. Her recent tumour marker tests and liver function tests came back normal, leading doctors to advise against further scans for now, suggesting a wait of two more months.

The actress, who underwent a 14-hour-long surgery in June, has been transparent about her journey, often updating her followers alongside her husband, actor Shoaib Ibrahim. While doctors have confirmed there are no current signs of cancer cells, they remain cautious given the aggressive nature of her tumour.

Dipika first revealed her diagnosis in May, recalling how a simple visit to the hospital for stomach pain led to the shocking discovery of a tumour the size of a tennis ball. The news turned her and her family’s life upside down, but her resilience has inspired countless fans.

On the work front, Dipika was last seen in Celebrity MasterChef, but she had to step away due to health reasons. The show was eventually won by actor Gaurav Khanna.

As she continues her treatment, Dipika’s courage and honesty in sharing the toughest moments of her journey have struck a chord with many. Her story is not just one of struggle, but also of hope, resilience, and the power of staying connected with loved ones through difficult times.

Health

Molbio & UE LifeSciences Partner to Expand iBreastExam Globally for Early Breast Cancer Detection

Tanisha Cardozo

Molbio Diagnostics has announced a strategic global collaboration with UE LifeSciences to expand the reach of iBreastExam, a radiation-free, painless, and FDA-cleared breast cancer screening device, to more than 50 countries across Asia, Africa, and beyond. This partnership represents a major step forward in making early detection accessible to millions of women who face barriers to traditional screening methods.

Breast cancer remains the leading cancer among women worldwide, and late detection is one of the most significant factors contributing to mortality. By combining Molbio’s extensive global distribution network with UE LifeSciences’ innovative technology, this collaboration aims to transform the landscape of breast cancer screening in low- and middle-income regions.

iBreastExam is a portable, battery-operated point-of-care device that can identify breast lumps in minutes without pain, radiation, or the need for specialized infrastructure. Using advanced sensor technology, it automates physical examination, ensuring accuracy without requiring interpretation from the user. With cloud-enabled storage for seamless follow-up, it is designed for use in primary healthcare settings, outreach programs, and mass screening campaigns, particularly in communities where access to mammograms is limited or non-existent.

Mihir Shah, Founder and CEO of UE LifeSciences, emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting that Molbio’s strong market presence and experienced team will help amplify their shared mission to improve women’s health outcomes globally. Molbio’s track record of delivering innovative diagnostic solutions, including the WHO-endorsed Truenat PCR platform, positions the company as a strong partner to scale the reach of iBreastExam.

The collaboration will focus on rolling out the device across India, Africa, the Middle East, CIS countries, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, creating new opportunities for early intervention and saving countless lives through timely diagnosis.

This partnership is not just about technology—it is about bridging gaps in access to healthcare, empowering women, and ensuring that early detection of breast cancer is no longer a privilege, but a global reality.

Health

 Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing and Healthway Hospital Organize Free Medical Camp in Vasco

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Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

 The Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing, in partnership with Healthway Hospital, recently organized a free medical camp in Vasco, dedicated to improving women’s health in the community. This thoughtful initiative addressed a critical need, as many women often neglect their own health due to various reasons. Mrs. Naazmeen Khan, a prominent member of the Women’s Wing, emphasized that the camp was a sincere effort to serve society by reaching women who might otherwise hesitate to seek medical care.

The camp offered a range of general health screenings, including checks for diabetes, hypertension, orthopedic concerns, gynecology, and skin ailments. A physiotherapist was also present to provide expert advice and guidance. Dr. Ankit Nair, a specialist in general medicine, highlighted the importance of such camps in expanding healthcare access through comprehensive investigations and consultations. Dr. Rini Naik, a gynecologist, stressed the need for regular health checkups and early detection, especially for conditions like cancer, encouraging women to be proactive about their health. Additionally, she shared information about Healthway Hospital’s discounted test schemes, making essential diagnostics more affordable.

Dr. Anupama Kuchadkar, a dermatologist, urged women to seek care from experienced medical professionals rather than relying on over-the-counter remedies, which may not address underlying conditions effectively. Mrs. Khan expressed deep appreciation for the doctors and the organizing team, whose commitment and teamwork were instrumental in the success of this medical camp.

Over 60 women from diverse age groups and socio-economic backgrounds took part in the camp, benefiting from personalized consultations and screenings. The clinical breast examinations conducted raised awareness about early cancer detection, a vital aspect of women’s health. The camp was well-organized and created a supportive environment where women felt comfortable and informed about their health.

Initiatives like this free medical camp underscore the importance of community-driven healthcare efforts and serve as a reminder that early diagnosis and regular health maintenance can save lives. Through collaboration and dedication, the Jamaat e Islami Hind Women’s Wing and Healthway Hospital continue to empower women in Vasco by ensuring they have access to quality medical services.