Meenakshi Mission Hospital Hosts Pinkathon 2025 to Empower Women

The Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre (MMHRC) in Madurai has successfully organized the Pinkathon 2025, a mini-marathon aimed exclusively at women. This initiative focuses on raising awareness about the importance of early detection and advanced treatments for breast cancer and other cancers affecting women. Under the theme “Together for Her,” the event attracted over 500 participants, including cancer survivors, healthcare professionals, and members of the public.

Event Highlights and Key Messages

The marathon was officially flagged off by S Vanitha, the Deputy Commissioner of Police, who was joined by Elizabeth, president of the YWCA, and Prema Latha, the Child Welfare Nodal Officer. The event served not only as a platform for physical activity but also as a crucial opportunity to discuss vital health issues.

Vijaya Bhaskar, Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology at MMHRC, emphasized that early detection is critical to decreasing mortality rates from cancer. He highlighted the importance of recognizing subtle warning signs, such as a firm, irregular lump in the breast or non-healing mouth ulcers, which require prompt medical attention for effective diagnosis.

Advancements in Cancer Treatments

During the event, K.S. Kirushna Kumar, the Head of the Department of Oncology, spoke about significant advancements in cancer treatment. He noted, “Radical surgery with good cosmetic outcomes is now a reality. Techniques such as breast-conserving surgery and sentinel-node biopsy allow for the safe removal of cancer while preserving appearance and function.”

He further explained that the introduction of robotic surgery in the region has enhanced surgical precision and reduced hospital stays for patients. “Chemotherapy, once the primary option despite its side effects, is no longer the only choice,” he added. Over the past two decades, India has made substantial progress with the development of targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and modern hormone-based treatments. These advancements have significantly improved survival rates for several cancer subtypes affecting women.

In addition, precision radiotherapy techniques like IMRT, IGRT, VMAT, and stereotactic techniques help minimize side effects while ensuring effective cancer control.

The Pinkathon 2025 stands as a testament to the ongoing commitment of MMHRC to empower women through health education and advanced medical care. Through events like these, the hospital aims to foster a supportive community and promote proactive health measures among women.