Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMHRC) has organised Pinkathon 2025, a mini-marathon exclusively for women, to raise awareness of 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 Deputy Commissioner of Police S Vanitha, in the presence of YWCA president Elizabeth and Child Welfare Nodal Officer Prema Latha.
The event saw the participation of more than 500 women, including cancer survivors, healthcare professionals and members of the public.
Department of Surgical Oncology HoD Vijaya Bhaskar 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.
Department of Oncology Head K.S. Kirushna Kumar said that there had 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 an excellent cancer control,” he added.
Published – December 14, 2025 07:33 pm IST
