Cancer is a disease that affects millions worldwide. Some of the common types of cancer that are seen in the country are oral cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer. Combating them requires the combined efforts of society as well as medical expertise. However, it is important to tackle the root cause of this disease which is anxiety, fear, and a slack attitude towards health. This slack approach towards health and the reluctance to address cancer early is what worsens the disease. Cancer continues to be a health challenge which is among the main causes of death.

To raise awareness about this disease and encourage people to address this issue with knowledge, Federal Bank has launched the initiative "Sanjeevani-United Against Cancer". Post the success of Sanjeevani - A Shot of Life, the Bank’s charitable trust, Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation joined hands with News18 Network, Tata Trusts, and Novartis to unveil Sanjeevani. The initiative was launched on 27 September 2023 in New Delhi. It was inaugurated in the company of Mr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister (Health and Family Welfare), and eminent personalities and cancer survivors - Lisa Ray, Anurag Basu, and Yuvraj Singh.

Sanjeevani - United Against Cancer

The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP) has projected a rise in the number of cancer cases in India to around 1.57 million in 2025 from 1.46 million in 2022. Furthermore, around 30% of cancer patients worldwide die because of detecting this disease at a very late stage. On the other hand, around 70% of the patients also survive because of awareness and detection of the disease early. Unfortunately, India faces a reversal of this ratio, which is quite alarming. This makes it all the more important to combat the social stigma that is associated with this silent killer and overcome any kind of cynicism when early detection tests need to be conducted.

The launch of Sanjeevani in association with the Tata Trust, News18 Network, and Novartis is a very important milestone in the illustrious journey of Federal Bank. ‘Sanjeevani’ will be a movement that fosters informed debate and drives cancer awareness. By addressing cancer-related fears, the initiative hopes to encourage a proactive approach among individuals regarding symptom management and health tests. This movement aims to empower individuals with knowledge that will help them take a step forward to undertake regular screening for detecting cancer at its early stage.

The objectives of this initiative are:

· To increase awareness about cancer

· To encourage conversations around this silent epidemic

· To gain a positive attitude towards various crucial elements in battling cancer such as early and regular health tests, tumour management, and symptom recognition

· To support and empower individuals to tackle these fears and actively fight cancer

· To provide financial relief to cancer patients and their families by subsidising various treatment aspects

Conclusion

Federal Bank has played an active role in empowering individuals, and communities and contributing to their well-being through its extensive CSR programmes that are spread all over India. Its latest initiative "Sanjeevani" reiterates its dedication to rescripting the narrative of this silent disease. It emphasises the importance of having knowledge about cancer and how early detection can help you take control of your health! To battle cancer, it is important to have an open mind and encourage positive conversations about this disease.