More than a thousand people — from doctors and nurses to students and everyday citizens — came together on Sunday, November 2, 2025, for the “Walk in Pink” walkathon organised by the MGM Cancer Institute. The event aimed to shine a spotlight on breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection.
The walk kicked off at the MGM Cancer Institute on Nelson Manickam Road and wrapped up at Tower Park, Anna Nagar. Among the participants was Mohan Telkatwar, Officer-in-Charge of Medical Services at the Indian Navy Headquarters for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, who joined the crowd in a show of solidarity.
Speaking at the event, Dr. M.A. Raja, Director and Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology at MGM Cancer Institute, highlighted the growing challenge of breast cancer in India. “Breast cancer now accounts for nearly 30% of all cancers among women in the country,” he said. “In Tamil Nadu, Chennai has the highest age-standardised rate, and unfortunately, more than half of these cases are detected at advanced stages.”
Adding to the conversation, Dr. Veda Padma Priya, Clinical Lead and Senior Consultant in Breast Oncology, emphasised that small lifestyle changes can make a big difference. “Staying active, eating well, managing stress, and keeping away from pollution are all simple but powerful ways to lower cancer risk,” she shared.
With a sea of participants dressed in pink, the walkathon wasn’t just a fitness event — it was a vibrant reminder of the need for awareness, prevention, and early screening in the fight against breast cancer.