New Delhi : Delhi Police in association with Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh organised a Mega Health Awareness Campaign for its female officers to mark International Women’s Day. This health campaign was inaugurated by Shri David Lalrinsanga, Joint Commissioner of Police, SPUW&C & Vigilance, Delhi Police where 350 female officers participated and over 200 were examined for Cervical Cancerat Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
This special initiative was taken in collaboration with Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh to create awareness of increasing risk of cancer and its under lining symptoms. The campaign focused on two most common women cancers – Breast Cancer by Dr.Surender Dabas, Director Surgical Oncology and Cervical Cancer by Dr. Neha Kumar, along with a health talk on Stress Management for working women by Dr. Samir Parikh, Director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences- Fortis Healthcare Ltd. The purpose of the campaign was also to honour the Delhi Police women for their selfless work for the nation and for being an inspiration for many young others to stand on their own feet. The event marked a celebration of those women achievers who through their courage and determination have fought all odds of the society to serve public by being a part of the Delhi Police.
On the occasion, Shri David Lalrinsanga, Joint Commissioner of Police, SPUW&C & Vigilance, Delhi Policesaid “Our (women) officers give their best wherever they are. It is our responsibility to ensure that they are healthy. This International Women’s day we pledge to take more such initiatives and get regular screening done for all those who serve the nation. Our officers are our pride and we are thankful to Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh for this collaboration in getting free screening for cervical cancer- Pap smear for our women employees. In the present environment, you hear every third female being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It is essential to discuss about these disease in open and do not hesitate to visit your doctor. We at Delhi Police will take more such initiatives for the wellbeing and health screening of our female officers.”
Speaking on the Occasion, Dr. Dabas emphasised on the importance of regular screening for women to diagnose Breast Cancer at an early stage. He presented cases where young women were diagnosed with cancer at the 4th Stage only because they ignored the clear symptoms of the cancer at the initial stage. Dr. Dabas pointed out the symptoms and importance of Self-Examination in early detection of the disease and quoted “The risk of breast cancer is increasing rapidly in India to the extent that it has become the most common cancer among the women in urban areas. Increasingly women in younger age groups are being diagnosed with breast cancer with increasing age continuing to be one of the most important risk factor. For early diagnosis and correct treatment it is essential to get regular screening which helps detect the cancer at its early stage. We encourage women to do self-examination at home to notice any symptoms of the disease, see you doctor right away if you have any of the symptoms- a lump or thickness in or near the breast or under the arm, unexplained swelling or shrinkage of the breast particularly on one side only, dimpling or puckering of the breast, nipple discharge, changes such as redness, flaking or thickening.” During this event over 200 female officers were screened for Cervical Cancer to mark the importance of regular screening.
The campaign was followed by a health talk on stress management for working women by Dr. Samir Parikh, Director, Mental Health and Behavioural Sciences, Fortis Healthcare Ltd. He said, “Stress is a part of our lives, and it’s important for us all to adopt the right lifestyle and use skills to optimise our potential, cope with stress and enhance well-being. Spending quality time with family and friends can plan a key role, as can taking some time out for one’s own self.”
