HCG Hospital, Hebbal, organised a breast cancer awareness walkathon in Bengaluru on 31 October, bringing together more than 510 participants to promote breast health and encourage early detection.
Titled ‘6 Yards’, the initiative drew inspiration from the six-yard sari and used six reminders – Know, Check, Notice, Ask, Screen and Act – to encourage women to understand their breast health, recognise unusual changes and seek medical advice when necessary.
The walkathon focused on breast awareness, self-examination, timely medical consultation and appropriate screening. It also introduced six steps for self-breast examination, with the aim of helping participants become more familiar with their bodies and recognise changes.
Siri Gowri D.R., deputy inspector general of police and chief vigilance officer at K.P.C.L., attended as the chief guest. Other attendees included Dr Jayanthi Thumsi, group lead for robotic breast surgery at HCG Cancer Hospitals; Sachin S. E., chief operating officer at HCG Cancer Hospital, North Bengaluru; and Manisha Kumar, vice-president and regional chief operating officer for HCG Cancer Hospitals in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The event also included participation kits and Zumba sessions, followed by breakfast.
Speaking at the event, Siri Gowri D.R., deputy inspector general of police and chief vigilance officer at K.P.C.L., said, “Women play many major roles in their families and communities, but their own health can sometimes take a backseat. Initiatives like ‘6 YARDS serve as a timely reminder that prioritising one's health is an important part of overall well-being. By encouraging women to speak openly about breast health and seek medical advice when needed, we can help build a more informed and health-conscious community.”
Manisha Kumar, VP and Regional COO, HCG Cancer Hospital, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, said, “Breast cancer awareness needs to move beyond occasional campaigns and become part of everyday conversations. The ‘6 YARDS’ initiative makes this message relatable by connecting the cultural significance of the sari with six simple actions that women can remember and practise. By bringing communities together, we aim to encourage greater awareness, reduce hesitation around discussing breast health and reinforce the importance of timely medical consultation and appropriate screening.”
Sachin S. E., Chief Operating Officer, HCG Cancer Hospital, North Bangalore, said, “At HCG, we believe that creating awareness is a crucial step towards making healthcare more proactive and accessible. The ‘6 YARDS walkathon brings together a familiar cultural symbol and a meaningful health message, helping make conversations around breast cancer more approachable. Through initiatives like this, we hope to encourage more women to prioritise their health, seek timely medical guidance and feel empowered to make informed decisions about their well-being.”
Dr. Jayanti Thumsi, Group Lead, Robotic Breast Surgery, HCG Cancer Hospitals, said, “Breast cancer awareness begins with understanding one’s body and recognising unusual changes. The six yards of a saree symbolise six actionable steps—Know, Check, Notice, Ask, Screen and Act—offering women a simple approach to breast health. Being familiar with one’s breasts through Self-Breast Examination helps women recognise changes, but regular screening and timely clinical evaluation remain essential. Any unusual change should be promptly discussed with a healthcare professional to support early diagnosis and appropriate care.”