Indian actress Vidya Balan has been appointed as the National Ambassador for the second phase of the 'Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer' campaign. This initiative, supported by Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation, is in collaboration with Tata Trusts, which serve as knowledge partners. The campaign, titled #TimeNikaaleinScreenKarein, aims to encourage early cancer detection through regular screenings.
Vidya Balan appointed as National Ambassador for Sanjeevani: United Against Cancer
In September, the campaign will kick off with a public service message from Vidya Balan, urging both men and women to take time to screen for cancer. The primary goal of this campaign is to bring about a significant shift in attitudes and behaviors toward early cancer screening. It focuses on forming effective partnerships and promoting learning and community engagement to make cancer screening more accessible and accepted.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, often being detected too late. However, early screening is a proven method to prevent the disease, catch it early, and improve treatment outcomes. Vidya Balan's involvement in the campaign is expected to have a significant impact, as her popularity and connection with a wide audience in India will help spread the message about the importance of early detection and regular screenings.
Vidya Balan expressed her commitment to the cause, stating, "Screening is vital for detecting cancer before symptoms appear, which can lead to timely and better health outcomes. Through this program, I hope to reach out to people across the country, dispelling myths and encouraging preventive health behavior."
Deepshikha Goel Surendran, Head of Brand and Marketing Communications at Tata Trusts, emphasized the importance of early detection in cancer care. She expressed optimism that the campaign's message, #TimeNikaaleinScreenKarein, will resonate with people across both rural and urban areas, potentially saving lives through increased awareness and regular screenings.
The initiative has already made a significant impact, with the Federal Hormis Memorial Foundation supporting over 3,000 patients in Assam and Tirupati last year. Additionally, screenings were conducted for more than 1,700 employees from 30 major corporations, and over 55,000 individuals pledged to undergo regular health checkups. This year, the campaign aims to expand its reach by hosting more screening camps and raising awareness about the importance of cancer screening, encouraging more people to make it a part of their annual health routine.