Lucknow | Lucknow witnessed a powerful surge of solidarity and awareness on Sunday morning as the 41 Club of India Area 9, in association with the SGPGI Breast Health Program, organized the Pink Wave — a breast cancer awareness campaign emphasizing early detection and education. The initiative, supported by Indian Oil and Gyan Doodh, drew participation from various community groups, including the Lucknow Golf Club, Inner Wheel, and several local associations.
The event began with a vibrant walkathon at 7:00 a.m., flagged off by Principal Secretary Industries Alok Kumar, Principal Secretary Planning Alok Kumar III, and DCP (Women Cell) Mamta Rani. Over 300 participants joined the 3-kilometer walk, symbolizing unity in the fight against breast cancer.
Prominent personalities present at the flag-off included Dr. Gaurav Agarwal, Head of the Department of Endocrine Surgery, SGPGI; Rajneesh Sethi, Honorary Secretary, Lucknow Golf Club; Dr. Rajat Mathur of Saraswati Dental College; Vivek Jaiswal, Chairman, Club 95 of the 41 Association of India; Dr. Piyush Agarwal, NEX Board Member of the 41 Association; and Manish Tandon, Area Chairman, Area 9 of the 41 Association of India.
Following the walkathon, a vintage car rally added a nostalgic charm to the morning. Flagged off around 8:00 a.m., the rally cruised along Lohiapath, culminating at the Lucknow Golf Driving Range and Practice Area, where the day’s next phase unfolded.
At the venue, doctors from the SGPGI Breast Health Program and members of the Lucknow Endocrine & Breast Surgery Club conducted an interactive awareness session. Dr. Gaurav Agarwal, speaking on behalf of the medical team, emphasized the importance of early detection in saving lives.
“Women must perform monthly self-examinations and consult their doctor annually after the age of 40,” Dr. Agarwal said. “A painless lump or any change in the breast should never be ignored. Early diagnosis ensures that the majority of breast cancer cases are curable.”
He added that a lack of awareness remains one of the major barriers in India, where many women are diagnosed only in the later stages of the disease. “It is the responsibility of every citizen to spread awareness, so we can help ensure early diagnosis and cure,” he urged.
As part of its outreach, the SGPGI Breast Health Program also organized a free health camp at the Lucknow Golf Club driving range for caddies and their families, providing consultations and educational materials on breast health and self-examination techniques. The initiative aimed to reach not just the city’s elite but also underprivileged sections who often lack access to such vital information.
The Pink Wave campaign seamlessly combined community participation, medical guidance, and public health education. From the energetic walkathon to the classic car rally, every activity carried a message — that breast cancer can be defeated through awareness, early detection, and collective action.
Organizers expressed satisfaction with the event’s impact. “The response from the citizens of Lucknow has been overwhelming,” said Vivek Jaiswal. “With the tremendous support of SGPGI’s Endocrine Surgical Department, we were able to make a meaningful impact. The Pink Wave is more than an event—it’s a movement.”
Participants, dressed in shades of pink, carried placards reading “Early Detection Saves Lives” and “Be Aware, Show You Care.” Many shared their experiences on social media using the hashtag #JoinTheWave, amplifying the campaign’s reach across the city and beyond.
The day’s events concluded with a resounding message: awareness is the first step to prevention. By merging fitness, health education, and social responsibility, the Pink Wave successfully turned Lucknow’s Sunday morning into a beacon of hope and empowerment.
As the sun rose over the city, it carried with it a renewed promise — that through awareness, compassion, and community, the fight against breast cancer can and will be won.
