Bike rally to mark national cancer awareness day in Mysuru

The School of Public Health and Department of Oncology, JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysuru, in collaboration with the Department of Health and Family Welfare, will be organising a bike rally to mark National Cancer Awareness Day on Friday (November 7).

The bike rally, which will start at 8.30 a.m. from JSS Medical College and pass through Ramaswamy Circle, City Railway Station Circle, Government Ayurvedic College Circle, Highway Circle, and LIC Circle before ending at JSS Medical College at 9.15 a.m., is aimed at promoting public awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.

A press statement released by the organisers said cancer continues to be a major public health challenge in India, with an estimated 14 lakh new cases diagnosed annually. “Contrary to common misconceptions, cancer is not a contagious disease — it cannot spread from person to person through contact,” it explained.

However, the rising incidence of cancer among the younger population, driven by lifestyle factors such as poor diet, stress, tobacco use, and physical inactivity, is a growing concern. “Early detection remains the most effective way to combat cancer; regular screening for breast, cervical, oral, and colorectal cancers can save countless lives by enabling timely treatment,” the statement further added.

Prevention through healthy habits, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and avoidance of tobacco and alcohol is essential to reduce India’s future cancer burden and build a healthier nation, it stated.