Sanjeevani – United against Cancer

Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation, News 18 Network, and Tata Trusts, all three organisations renowned for their dedication to meaningful and impactful initiatives, jointly unveil the ‘Sanjeevani- United against Cancer’. ‘Sanjeevani’ mission is to build awareness, encourage screening and testing for Cancer. Sanjeevani will provide financial relief to patients and their families by subsidising various aspects of its treatment.

Following the success of 'Sanjeevani – A Shot Of Life', India’s largest private vaccination drive to boost COVID-19 vaccine awareness in 2021, News18 and Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation have partnered again to uplift societal health through its reach across the country.

Cancer's prevalence as a significant health challenge persists, ranking among the leading causes of mortality. In India, the reluctance to address Cancer early is often rooted in fear and a lax attitude towards health. The common forms of cancer in the country include Breast Cancer, Oral Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer. The Sanjeevani initiative focuses on empowering and supporting individuals to confront these fears and actively fight Cancer. As the number of Cancer cases in the country is projected to go up from 14.6 Lakh in 2022 to 15.7 Lakh in 2025, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP)[1], it has become all the more urgent to fight the social stigma surrounding it and countering the hesitancy around tests for early detection.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer is a complex and challenging disease in which normal cells become cancerous and begin to grow and multiply uncontrollably, disrupting how your body works. Very few cancer types are caused by inherited genetic mutations, most cancers happen as an acquired genetic mutation. There are a several risk factors that increase chances of developing cancer. The risk factors that increase risk of cancer include tobacco consumption, high-fat & high-sugar diets, environmental toxins, exposure to radiation and prolonged hormonal therapy.

Every year, in India, close to 14 lakh new cases of cancer get detected and over 8 lakh people lose their life to the disease. Cancers of breast, cervix, oral, lung and colorectal are the most prevalent cancer types in India. The disease diagnosis involves screening/ physical examination, symptoms evaluation, and various tests such as blood tests, imaging, and biopsies. Genetic testing can help in determining if inherited genes increase risk of the disease. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and bone marrow transplants.

Early Detection

Late-stage cancer detection is a worldwide issue, particularly pronounced in resource-poor regions where inefficient or nonexistent healthcare systems and low awareness contribute to an escalating disease burden. Diagnosis at an advanced stage often necessitates expensive treatments that have severe side effects, often compromising therapy outcomes and leaving patients uncertain about their future.

Early detection hinges on two main components:

Early diagnosis, which relies on public, healthcare provider, and medical personnel awareness of initial symptoms, and improved access to diagnostic services.
Early diagnosis, which relies on public, healthcare provider, and medical personnel awareness of initial symptoms, and improved access to diagnostic services.
The benefits of early detection are significant. For cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers, consistent screening awareness initiatives have led to reduced diagnosis rates. However, cancers like esophagus, pancreas, and ovaries still tend to be diagnosed at advanced stages, resulting in lower survival rates.

Activities

The Sanjeevani Initiative carries out multiple activities from time to time with a focus on empowering patients and caregivers with relevant knowledge. Heroes of Hope celebrates the resilience of cancer survivors. In Expert Talk, we showcase insightful discussions with oncologists and innovators in the field.

Interactive Quiz contains multiple-choice quizzes about diet and lifestyle relevant to cancer. Stories and Blogs carries a wealth of stories, blogs and articles to empower and educate. Let’s journey towards a cancer-free future, with knowledge.