Lucknow: The Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI), Lucknow, celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a vibrant Walkathon and Pink Ball Cricket Mini League, reinforcing the message — “Timely screening saves lives.”
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women globally, affecting nearly one in eight women at some stage in their lives. Experts emphasize that early detection leads to successful treatment and full recovery.
To spread this message, SGPGI’s Breast Health Program and the Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery organized a series of events throughout October. The month-long campaign aimed to promote awareness about breast self-examination, early symptoms, and the importance of seeking medical help without hesitation.
On October 26, the SGPGI campus turned pink as doctors, nurses, students, staff, and their families participated in a spirited Walkathon that began from the institute’s cricket ground and concluded at the main hospital gate. Participants dressed in pink T-shirts and caps carrying slogans promoting breast health and awareness. The color pink dominated the scene — symbolizing care, unity, and commitment to women’s health.
Event organizers Dr. Abhishek Krishna, Dr. Sabaretnam M., and Dr. Gyan Chand welcomed the participants. Prof. Gaurav Agarwal, Head of the Department of Endocrine and Breast Surgery, underlined the urgent need to increase breast cancer awareness in society, while Prof. Anjali Mishra stressed the importance of regular breast self-examination and screening for all women.
The evening’s highlight was the Pink Ball Cricket Mini League, held at the SGPGI cricket ground (SCG), decorated with pink balloons and ribbons. Four teams — Halsted Directors XI, Audrets Dean XI, Clough CMS XI, and Veronesi Endocrine Surgery XI — participated, each named after globally renowned pioneers in breast surgery.
In a unique twist, most of the players were women, while male participants were asked to bat left-handed or bowl underarm to level the playing field. SGPGI Director Prof. R.K. Dhiman, the event’s chief patron, and Dr. Praveena Dhiman, who captained one of the teams, graced the occasion. The matches reflected enthusiasm, camaraderie, and sportsmanship, turning the event into a celebration of life and resilience.
The “Pink by Pink Ball” initiative by SGPGI was not just a sporting event — it was a moving reminder of the power of community and collective awareness. The institute’s effort combined health education with fun and inspiration, sending out a powerful message: together, we can win the fight against breast cancer.
