Bargarh/Bhubaneswar (Odisha): On the occasion of World Cancer Day, Bargarh emerged as a powerful symbol of unity, awareness, and social responsibility as Fighters Group successfully organized a large-scale Cancer Awareness Walkathon followed by an awareness meeting. The event transformed the streets and public spaces of the district into a collective voice against cancer, reinforcing the message that prevention, early detection, and patient support are shared responsibilities of society, not limited to medical institutions alone.
The awareness walkathon commenced early in the morning from the premises of AEM English Medium School at Gangadhar Nagar and concluded at Parbati Giri Women’s College. People from diverse backgrounds walked shoulder to shoulder, reflecting unity, courage, and hope in the fight against cancer. The walkathon was formally flagged off by Bargarh Sub-Collector Prasanna Pandey, who urged citizens to actively participate in cancer awareness efforts and highlighted the importance of spreading knowledge in both rural and urban areas.
Following the walkathon, an awareness meeting was held where Fighters Group senior associate member Prativa Barik introduced the guests and addressed the gathering. She emphasized that the fight against cancer is not solely the responsibility of doctors but requires conscious participation from every citizen. Her message underlined the life-saving power of awareness, empathy, and timely action.
The meeting was presided over by Fighters Group senior member Pushpanjali Behera, who described cancer as a collective pain that affects not only patients but also families and society at large. She stressed that timely awareness, regular health check-ups, and mutual support can significantly strengthen the fight against cancer. She reiterated Fighters Group’s continued commitment to community care, patient advocacy, and psychological and social support, drawing attention to the often-overlooked human side of healthcare.
Administration and Medical Perspectives, Chief guest Sub-Collector Prasanna Pandey appreciated the consistent and people-centric initiatives of Fighters Group. He stated that grassroots awareness programs play a crucial role in early identification of cancer cases and assured that the district administration and health department would work toward strengthening such initiatives in the future.
Providing an important medical perspective, Dr. Pratik Maharana, Assistant Professor from the Department of Dermatology at Burla VIMSAR Medical College, spoke about the alarming rise of oral cancer cases in Odisha. He pointed out that negligence toward personal health and harmful habits are major contributors to this trend. He advised regular self-testing, self-examination, and screening, urging people not to ignore symptoms such as mouth ulcers, unusual patches, color changes, or non-healing wounds. He also emphasized maintaining oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco and gutkha, and seeking timely medical consultation, noting that many cancers can be prevented or detected early through lifestyle changes and awareness.
AEM English Medium School Chairman Jaswir Singh welcomed the guests and highlighted the crucial role of students and youth in building a cancer-aware society. He stated that when young minds grow up informed and responsible, the dream of a cancer-free society becomes achievable.
The program was further enriched by cultural performances presented by students of AEM English Medium School, adding emotional depth to the event. A short street play on cancer awareness performed by students of Vikash Nursing College deeply moved the audience, effectively communicating messages of prevention, early detection, and compassion in a relatable and impactful manner.
The overall coordination of the program was efficiently managed by Satyajit Dash, Purushottam Bishi, and Arjun Seth. Fighters Group Treasurer Pratap Dash delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, supporters, and collaborators, and stating that collective cooperation can make the cancer awareness movement stronger and more impactful.
On the another event, Bargarh Mahila Samiti’s Call for Free Cancer Vaccination on the same occasion of World Cancer Day
Bargarh Mahila Samiti raised a significant demand for free cancer vaccination, particularly the Human Papillomavirus vaccine, to protect women from cervical cancer. Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women in Odisha, accounting for approximately 23.66 percent of major cancer cases. The mortality rate due to cervical cancer in the state stands at 4.22 per one lakh women, with delayed detection identified as the primary cause of rising fatalities.
In a meeting chaired by senior member Mamata Mishra on February 4, prayers were offered for the speedy recovery of cancer patients, along with an appeal to cultivate empathy and respectful attitudes toward those battling the disease. Samiti Secretary Sudhansubala Dash presented a proposal urging the Odisha government to introduce a free HPV vaccination program for girls aged 1 to 14 years, on the lines of Tamil Nadu, which became India’s first state to implement such an initiative. The Samiti recommended launching the program from Bargarh district, identified as a cancer-prone area, to maximize its preventive impact.
Need for Preventive Strategy and Community Participation it was highlighted that Tamil Nadu, similar to Odisha, faces a high burden of cervical cancer, where it is the second most common cancer among women. Reports indicate a mortality rate ranging from 5.3 to 11.56 per one lakh women, accounting for nearly 16.1 percent of female cancer cases, with deaths largely linked to late-stage diagnosis. Considering these similarities, Bargarh Mahila Samiti emphasized the urgent need for free HPV vaccination for every girl child in Odisha as a long-term preventive healthcare strategy.
World Cancer Day in Bargarh evolved into more than a symbolic observance. From the determined footsteps on the streets to the informed voices in meeting halls, the day reaffirmed that the fight against cancer is a shared journey. With awareness as the weapon, compassion as the strength, and hope as the guiding light, Bargarh demonstrated that cancer is not fought alone, but together, as a community committed to a healthier and more humane future.
