New Delhi, September 26, 2023. Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation, News18 Network, and Tata Trusts are set to unveil 'Sanjeevani-United against cancer’, a joint effort aimed at raising awareness and facilitating discussions about the often-silent cancer epidemic while dispelling the fears associated with the disease. 'Sanjeevani' seeks to promote early and consistent health testing, effective tumor management, and symptom recognition, all critical elements in the battle against cancer.
Cancer remains a significant health challenge and one of the leading causes of mortality. In India, the hesitance to address cancer early is often rooted in fear and a lackadaisical attitude towards health. Common types of cancer in India encompass Breast Cancer, Oral Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer. The Sanjeevani initiative aims at empowering individuals to confront these fears and take proactive steps in the battle against cancer.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP), the number of cancer cases in India is projected to rise from 14.6 lakh in 2022 to 15.7 lakh in 2025. Globally, 30% of cancer patients lose their lives due to late-stage detection, while 70% survive thanks to early detection driven by awareness. Unfortunately, in India, this ratio is reversed making it more critical than ever to combat the social stigma surrounding cancer and address hesitations regarding early detection tests.
Shyam Srinivasan, MD and CEO of Federal Bank said, “As we celebrate the remarkable success of "Sanjeevani - A Shot of Life" campaign which was aimed at addressing the fear and reluctance surrounding Covid Vaccines, our primary focus has evolved to proactive pursuits in healthcare, specifically combatting cancer through early detection. This time, through Sanjeevani 2.0, Federal Bank is focusing on the need to overcome nonchalance and dismissiveness around the possibility of Cancer affecting any of us. Cancer Screening needs to become an integral part of annual health checkups, which too need to be a disciplined activity. Given News18’s reach, we believe that a rise in awareness will increase testing or screening in our country. This should increase the ratio of survivors, which will be a hard-fought victory, with ongoing efforts. Having Tata Trusts as our knowledge partner helps us harness and be guided by their deep understanding of the terminal probabilities of Cancer. We at Federal Bank are honored to collaborate with such venerable and compassionate partners in guiding Sanjeevani towards its Mission.”
Highlighting the barriers in the fight against cancer, Puneet Singhvi, CEO - Digital & President - Corporate Strategy at Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. stated, “Anxiety and fear have acted as significant barriers in cancer detection among Indians, encompassing the concerns around its treatment, financial burden and repercussions on the family. However, numerous studies indicate that early detection can result in beating cancer and saving lives. With the launch of 'Sanjeevani,' our mission is to educate our audience and evangelize the benefits of early detection in the fight against cancer. The initiative in partnership with the Federal Bank Hormis Memorial and Tata Trusts is more than just a campaign; it is a movement towards driving awareness and making an impact in the fight against cancer. 'Sanjeevani' reaffirms our dedication to rewriting the fight against cancer narrative, emphasizing the critical importance of early detection, and underscoring the immeasurable value of health.”
Mr. Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts, added, "Committed to revolutionising cancer care across the country since 1941, Tata Trusts have been at the forefront of critical initiatives to advance accessible, affordable, and quality cancer treatment and care. Today, as we continue our fight against the surging cancer challenge, we are happy to associate, as knowledge partners, with " Sanjeevani, United Against Cancer” – a purpose-driven initiative being launched by News18 Network to drive awareness around the disease and the importance of early detection. We hope that this endeavour will not only foster awareness and meaningful discussions about cancer but also effectively address the fears linked to the disease. Over time, these efforts may help to highlight the true value of “early cancer detection” which will significantly increase the chances of survival. Working together in a collaborative framework, the Trusts aim to continue driving positive change and overcoming social and economic barriers associated with cancer."
News18 Network and Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation, in collaboration with Tata Trusts as a knowledge partner, will launch the initiative during an event at The Oberoi in New Delhi on September 27, 2023. The event will be inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, and Lisa Ray, a renowned actress, social activist, and cancer survivor. Eminent personalities from various fields, including Amitabh Dube, MD of Novartis India, Padma Shri Dr. Rajendra Badwe, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, and film director Anurag Basu, among others, will join the 'Sanjeevani' movement. This initiative aims to create a nurturing and supportive environment for all those battling cancer.
