Youth and Educators Take to the Streets for Cancer Prevention Walkathon 2025 Amid Growing Cancer Challenge
India logged more than 14.6 lakh cancer cases in 2022, says the National Cancer Registry Programme of ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research). One in nine Indians is now at risk, and cases are expected to climb another 12 to 13 percent by 2025. The need for awareness is immediate. Stepping into this gap, SVKM’s NMIMS Hyderabad brought its students, faculty and staff together for the Step Up For Cancer Walkathon 2025, led by the School of Pharmacy and Technology Management with Udaan and XLR8.
Participants assembled at the NMIMS Hyderabad campus with a shared purpose, not just to walk but to advocate for preventive healthcare. The walkathon covered a 5 km route along SEZ Road, drawing close to 60 students, volunteers, faculty members and staff. Before the walk commenced, attendees were taken through an awareness session focused on early warning signs, symptoms, screening methods and the critical importance of timely medical attention. The message was simple but urgent: self-examination and vigilance improve the chances of early diagnosis and treatment success.
With late detection being one of India’s most persistent cancer-related hurdles (NCRP, ICMR), the walkathon emphasised the everyday habits that matter, including routine check-ups, regular physical activity and sensitivity to bodily changes. Each participant received a purple ribbon, symbolising solidarity with cancer fighters and survivors.
Reflecting on the initiative, Dr. Ashwini Deshpande, Deputy Director and Associate Dean, SPTM, noted, “The initiative reinforces NMIMS Hyderabad’s commitment to social responsibility, health education and community engagement.”
Adding to this, Dr. Suman Naredla, Director, NMIMS Hyderabad, said, “The walkathon strengthened awareness about preventive healthcare and the urgency of identifying early signs of cancer. Awareness, vigilance and timely check-ups can save lives, and each individual holds the power to advocate for early detection within their circles. Seeing the enthusiasm of our students truly inspires us to host more such initiatives.”
The event was supported by on-ground arrangements, including security personnel, first-aid support and hydration points along the route. To ensure safety, individuals with existing medical concerns were advised not to participate. The walk concluded with a short closing interaction where winners were recognised and volunteers, faculty coordinators and support teams were thanked for their contribution.