Cutting right to the chase, these are some hard facts that shine a harsh light on the realities of cervical and breast cancer:
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012 (second most common cancer overall). It is the fifth most common cause of death from cancer in women.
Cervical cancer is the fourth most frequent cancer in women with an estimated 530,000 new cases in 2012 representing 7.9% of all female cancers. Approximately 90% the 270,000 deaths from cervical cancer in 2015 occurred in low- and middle-income countries.
Given the horrifying reality of the nature of these diseases, the general public’s awareness of them is disappointingly low. So in an attempt to combat this, the Rotary Club of Porvorim organised the 4th edition of the Rotary Rain Run on 29th July, an event that aims to build up awareness around the cause of detection and cure of cervical and breast cancer. This is a fundraising event where 100 % of the funds generated will go to support the Flagship Community Service Activity of the Rotary Club of Porvorim – the Prakash Cancer Aid Project (PCAP) – Women Health | Education.
Participants had three run options to choose from:
1) The 21 km run which flagged off at 5.45 am
2) The 10 km run which flagged off at 6 am
3) The 5 km run which flagged off at 7.30 am
The event saw massive participation with over 370 people of all ages in attendance, even ones as young as four years. And that’s not all. The event also saw the support of the Indian Army, Navy and the Police. Nordic Intent’s Andre Shackleton also took part in the 5 km run, and finished it in under 44 minutes (his personal best, we have been informed). Andre had a thoroughly positive experience and he specifically commented on the conscientiousness of the organisers in making sure to clean up the area once the run was over.
The event was proof of how people will come out of their comfort zones in support of a worthy cause.
To summarise the run in a few words, we’d like to quote Andre, “This was a project where the contribution of the few will impact the betterment of many. It’s a worthy cause, and I’d be a part of it again.”