4th February, World cancer day at Brahma Kumaris HQ
Brahma Kumaris, Shantivan, Abu Road:
Cancer day was observed at Shantivan the International headquarter of Brahma Kumaris which was attended by more than 10000 people.
In the morning a cancer awareness rally was taken out that was flagged off by reverent Dr. Dadi Ratan Mohini ji, joint chief of Brahma Kumaris along with BK Nirwair ji, Secretary-General Brahma Kumaris, Dr. Banarsilal Sah, Secretary Medical Wing, BK Brij Mohan, principal Secretary, Brahma Kumaris, BK Mrityunjay, Executive Secretary, Brahma Kumaris, BK Bharat, Chief engineer, and all senior brothers and sisters. This rally of white-clad BK brothers and sisters were wearing bands of world cancer day and also wearing lavender color ribbons which is the symbol of general cancer. They were holding placards having slogans about the cancer day and “I am and I will”. They were also shouting slogans “Know Cancer and Prevent Cancer”, “Say good bye to fast food and say good bye to cancer” etc. This rally was attended by more than 10,000 people.
At 11:30 a stage program about cancer prevention and treatment was held at Diamond hall. Dr. Banarsilal Sah welcomed all the dignitaries and he said that prevention is better than cure. Cancer is spreading in India at a massive rate so, we should create awareness about it. Dr. Dadi Ratan Mohini ji gave her blessings. Dr. Ashok Mehta Ex-Director Tata Memorial Hospital Mumbai was the chief guest on this occasion. He has provided dedicated service to cancer patients for the last 50 years. In his keynote address, he dispelled various myths about cancer and told that late diagnosis is the main reason in India for cancer deaths. 1.6 crore people are diagnosed with cancer every year in the world, out of which one crore dies because of it. In India, 16 lakh people are diagnosed with cancer every year out of which 8 to 10 lakh breath their last because of it. In India tobacco is the main reason for cancer. Cancer starts from the mouth and goes to the lymph nodes and then to various organs. Basically it is a Lifestyle-related problem, which is aggravated by the accumulation of toxins in the body. Cancer is also related to stress. People start smoking and drinking due to stress. Alcohol is a deadly poison that also leads to liver cancer.
In America smoking was popular and it was the main reason for lung cancer. In the 1950’s they came to know about it and started warning on cigarette packets and brought out massive campaigns about the adverse effects of smoking. Resultantly there was a decrease in the incidence of lung cancer.
In England, there was a belief that whatever we eat to remain in our system for 7 days. Resultantly there were a lot of cases of appendicitis. The toxins released in the body because of constipation are also a cause of cancer. All these are style-related issues that need to be addressed.
In India breast and cervical cancer are more common. Every woman should learn to do self-breast examination after periods and if a lump is found do not neglect it. Mammography test should be undertaken yearly and if a lump is found, biopsy should be done. Breast cancer is also related to hormones. Some people who take tablets of hormones are more at risk.
Cervical cancer is found more in women who have undergone more deliveries. It is also found more in poor socio-economic families because of unhygienic living conditions. If there is bleeding or spotting after periods, one must consult the specialist. Change in bowel or bladder habits is also a warning signal of cancer. If there is a change in mole or wart or hoarseness in voice one should also be careful about it.
Dr. Prem Masand a well-known Radiation Oncologist added that cell mutation takes place due to oxidative stress that leads to the formation of a lump. In addition, environmental pollution and emotions are a causative factor of cancer. Emotions disturb hormonal levels and lead to the mutation of cells. Breathing exercises, walking a minimum of 10,000 steps daily, eating colored fruits and green vegetables are also helpful. It is better if you do not take processed food and save yourself from sun rays. Fasting is the best precaution as Yoshinori Ohsumi a Japanese biologist got a Nobel Prize in the physiology of medicine in 2016 for autophagy. It is a process in which the cell could destroy its own content by enclosing it in membranes, forming lysosomes for degradation. It means the body consumes its toxic waste when we fast and fasting is a common practice in India.
BK Nirwair expressed his good wishes and said that no one ever gets cancer in life. He added that the possibility of cancer is less if we adopt the Rajyogi lifestyle, and if it happens we should keep our morale boosted with Gyan and meditation. BK Brij Mohan added that the incidence of cancer is less in BK’s in comparison to the others. Pollution of water, air, use of insecticides, pesticides and fertilizers are also the cause of cancer. The more we remain detached from the body, the lesser are the chances of getting cancer.
BK Mrithyunjay said that today is cancer cancel day. BK family is canceling cancer because of its positive lifestyle and blessings of Baba. BK Chakradhari, National coordinator women’s wing also appreciated the efforts of Medical Wing in creating awareness about cancer.
Dr. Ashok Mehta was honored on this occasion for his distinguished service in the field of cancer. Appreciation letter was read in his honor that has divine words uttered for him by Avyakt Bapdada and was presented to him by Dr. Pratap Midha. He also added that annual health check-up is mandatory to save us from this deadly disease. Though cancer is a hereditary disease we can prevent it by adopting a healthy lifestyle and early diagnosis. The audience in the Diamond hall took a pledge “I am and I Will” and I will remain aware of my self and will make other people also aware of cancer. The program ended with baba’s remembrance.
