RCHRC Strengthens Cancer Awareness Efforts Through Bike Rally and Screening Camp  

Ranchi: Ranchi Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (RCHRC), established by the Tata Cancer Care Foundation, hosted a community participation and awareness event with the subject ‘Cancer Se Jeetna Sambhav Hai,’ extending the momentum to reinforce the worldwide call for cancer action.

Cancer is rapidly emerging as one of the most significant health challenges across India, with reports by Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme estimating 14.6 lakh cases in 2022, and projections nearing 45 lakh cases in the next 5 to 6 years.1 As part of RCHRC’s community-focused efforts, the event is aimed to promote cancer awareness and early detection.

The event commenced with a bike rally, where over 500 participants, including doctors, cancer patients, caregivers, and community members, covered an eight-kilometer distance from Morabadi Grounds to RCHRC, with halts at Ranchi College, Ram Mandir Chowk, Chandni Chowk and Kanke Chowk, holding banners and chanting slogans to champion the cause for cancer awareness and encouraging early detection. RCHRC also conducted a free screening camp, led by experienced oncologists and healthcare providers, for blood pressure, diabetes, oral, breast and cervical cancer (for people above 30 years of age), motivating individuals to take charge of their health and seek timely medical attention.

At RCHRC, an Inter-College Spoken Word Competition was organized, featuring participants from, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi Women’s College, BIT Mesra, St. Xavier’s College, Bethel College of Nursing, Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute and Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University. Centered on the theme “Andhere se ujale tak: Cancer yoddhao ki aawaz,” the competition provided a platform for students to creatively share the experiences of patients and caregivers to raise awareness and foster empathy among the audience.

A distinguished panel of judges, including Mr Manoj Kumar, Program Executive, Akashvani Ranchi and Head of Programme of Akashvani Daltonganj; Dr Sushmita Pandey, Author and RCHRC cancer patient; and Dr Manisha, Consultant, Palliative Medicine, RCHRC; selected Shruti Mishra from Ranchi Veterinary College (Birsa Agricultural University) as the winner. She has earned the opportunity to broadcast her spoken word performance on Akashvani, Ranchi.

Additionally, the event aimed to educate and inspire, through activities including a special cancer awareness talk delivered by Dr Rajanigandha Tudu, Medical Oncologist, RCHRC, on prevention, treatment, and support systems, and a Nukkad Natak performed by local artists to emphasize early detection and prevention.

Gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest, Dr. Chandra Kishore Shahi, Director-in-Chief, Health Services, Government of Jharkhand said, “Cancer is not just a medical challenge—it is an emotional, social, and financial battle that affects entire families. Events like these play a crucial role in spreading awareness, encouraging early detection, and fostering a strong support system for patients and caregivers. Together, through education, advocacy, and compassion, we can make a difference and bring hope to those fighting this disease.”

Reflecting on the proceedings of the day, Dr (Colonel) Madan Mohan Pandey, Director of Medical Services, RCHRC, said “Early detection and timely intervention are critical in improving cancer outcomes, and initiatives like this help bridge the gap between medical expertise and community awareness.  Through events like this that encourage screenings, education about various cancer types and their risk factors, we aim to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources to prioritize their well-being. Strengthening preventive care and outreach efforts is key to reducing the cancer burden in Jharkhand.”