Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMHRC) has organised Pinkathon 2025, a mini-marathon exclusively for women, to raise awareness on early detection and advanced medical treatments for breast cancer and other cancers affecting women.
The Pinkathon, organised by the hospital’s Department of Oncology with the theme “Together for Her”, was flagged off by Ms. S. Vanitha, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Madurai, Ms. Elizabeth, President, YWCA and Ms. Prema Latha, Nodal Officer, Child Welfare. The event saw the participation of more than 500 women, including cancer survivors, healthcare professionals and members of the public.
The event also honoured the unwavering contribution of Meenakshi Mission’s Hospital's Oncology team, headed by Dr. K.S. Kirushna Kumar, Head of Oncology Services, Dr. Vijaya Bhaskar, Sr. Consultant & HOD, Department of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Krishnakumar Rathnam, Sr. Consultant & HOD, Department of Medical Oncology. In this event, Dr. B.Kannan, Medical Administrator, Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre and Mr. Sivakumar, General Manager - Marketing, Meenakshi Mission Hospital & Research Centre from the hospital were also present.
In his comments, Dr. B. Kannan, Medical Administrator, MMHRC, said that the country recorded approximately 14.6 lakh new cancer cases in 2022. This number is projected to rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025 and to a staggering 22.1 lakh by 2040. Many women continue to succumb to the disease. It can be particularly debilitating for women as it disrupts families at its core. Hence strengthening cancer awareness among women remains a pressing national priority to improve prevention, early detection and access to advanced treatments.
In his comments Dr. Vijaya Bhaskar, Sr. Consultant & HOD, Department of Surgical Oncology, said that early detection and prevention are key to reducing mortality. Recognising subtle warning signs - such as a firm, irregular lump in the breast; non-healing mouth ulcers; or abnormal vaginal bleeding, requires immediate medical attention and can facilitate timely diagnosis. Regular clinical breast examinations and mammography for eligible women, along with HPV vaccination and routine cervical screening even in the absence of symptoms, are proven measures that can significantly reduce cancer burden in the country when implemented at scale.
In his comments Dr. K.S. Kirushna Kumar, Head of the Department of Oncology, said that there has been tremendous advances in treating cancer when diagnosed early. “Radical surgery with good cosmetic outcomes is now a reality. Breast-conserving surgery, oncoplastic techniques and sentinel-node biopsy allow for the safe removal of cancer while preserving appearance and function, significantly reducing the need for extensive procedures. Robotic surgery, which is now widely available in the State and in Madurai, has further enhanced surgical precision and reduced hospital stay for patients.”
He added that chemotherapy, once the primary option despite its well-known side effects, is no longer the only choice. Over the past two decades, India has witnessed major progress with the introduction of newer targeted therapies, immunotherapy, antibody–drug conjugates, and modern hormone-based treatments. These advanced therapies have improved survival outcomes across several cancer subtypes affecting women and are increasingly accessible in major cancer centres. Precision radiotherapy techniques - such as IMRT, IGRT, VMAT and Stereotactic techniques, also help minimise side effects while maintaining excellent cancer control.”
The event also honoured the unwavering contribution of Meenakshi Mission’s Hospital's Oncology team. Their commitment to excellence and patient-centred care has been instrumental in transforming outcomes. Mr. Sivakumar, General Manager - Marketing, from the hospital was also present during the events.