Hyderabad|India|October'2010:Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation (UBF) and the U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad at a press conference has announced a month of activities aimed at creating awareness of the importance of early detection of breast cancer among women in Andhra Pradesh.

As part of International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, UBF and the U.S. Consulate General are partnering to hold The Pink Ribbon Walk 2010 on Sunday, October 3rd from KBR Park at 6 a.m. The aim of the walk is to honor those women who have fought the illness with determination. It is also on opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of regular exercise and an active lifestyle in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Katherine Dhanani said “American or Indian, I don’t want one more woman to die. That’s why I am participating in Sunday’s Pink Ribbon Walk 2010 and I’m thrilled that U.S. Consulate staff will be joining me. Our participation salutes women cancer survivors and encourages those fighting the disease not to give up. We walk together to show our solidarity and our commitment to spread the word about early detection.”

Dr. P. Raghu Ram, CEO, Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation, said “As breast cancer cannot be prevented, early detection is the key. There are only two ways for early detection of breast cancer. First, all women must be ‘Breast Aware’ and if they detect any changes in the breast, they should consult a specialist. Second, all women over the age of 40 years should have annual screening mammograms. Detection of breast cancer at an early stage will ensure long term survival of well over 90 per cent.”

As part of the campaign, other activities such as ‘Paint the City Pink’ are being organized. Prominent buildings such as the U.S. Consulate General, the Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Assembly, Charminar, the Buddha statue, Hyderabad Public School and many others will be lit pink as will hoardings across the city.

UBF is also hosting the exclusive India premiere for the Hollywood film ‘One a Minute’ – a global docudrama to raise funds for promoting awareness as well as supporting survivors of breast cancer. The national premiere will be held in Hyderabad on October 24.

The movie stars breast cancer survivors Lisa Ray, Barbara Mori, Mumtaz, Namrata Singh Gujral, Olivia Newton-John, Jaclyn Smith, Melissa Etheridge, Diahann Carroll, Billy Baldwin and Danny Baldwin.

Stating the startling statistics relating to breast cancer, Dr Raghu Ram highlighted the fact that more than 1 million women worldwide are newly diagnosed with breast cancer annually. Worldwide, a woman dies of breast cancer every minute. According to World Health Organization (WHO) statistics, more than half of the global cancer burden is found in under developed and developing countries.

In India 100, 000 women are newly diagnosed with breast cancer every year; a number that has overtaken cervical cancer. This figure is expected to increase to 130,000 every year by 2020. Some 50, 000 women die from breast cancer every year in India and it has become the leading cause for death among women in metropolitan cities.

-October'2010