DW BUREAU / Mohali Director Health Services, Punjab Dr. Gurinder Bir Singh flagged off a state-level bicycle rally and three IEC awareness vans on World Cancer Day. The bicycle rally commenced from Phase V, Market to Gurudwara Sahib, Phase-11, S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali). The event was marked with a lot of enthusiasm by the community, with children and women showing particular interest. Meanwhile, Dr GB Singh stated that this special cycle rally has been organized to observe World Cancer Day. Bicycle rallies have also been organized across Punjab on the theme of World Cancer Day 'I Am & I Will'. It aims to raise awareness about cancer and motivate people to make lifestyle changes. At the same time, the Director Health Services flagged-off three IEC awareness vans. He said that these three vans would visit different parts of Punjab for a month to create awareness among the people about cancer. Dr. GB Singh said that under the Chief Minister Punjab Cancer Relief Fund Scheme, cancer patients are being provided free treatment up to Rs. 1.50 lakh and So far, the Punjab Government has treated 64158 patients at a cost of Rs. 836 crore. He said as per WHO, Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally and was responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Cancer can be controlled if detected in an early stage. For early detection, awareness plays an important role. Awareness helps people recognize the early signs and symptoms of cancer. It enables them to seek treatment at an early stage and as a result, fewer people will die from cancer. Cancer awareness can also lead to people making healthier lifestyle choices. He said that the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) has the cancer component in which 30+ population is being screened by ANMs for 3 Common Cancers namely Oral, Breast, and Cervical. The suspected cases detected during screening are referred to higher centers for further investigations and treatment. On the occasion, Civil Surgeon Mohali Dr. Adeshpal Kaur, State Programme officer NPCDCS Dr. Sandeep Singh and his team and other officials of the health department were also present. (editor@dailyworld.in)