Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore Chapter

Menu
X-twitter Youtube

Pinktober 2025

As we all know October is the month for breast cancer awareness around the globe. This  October turned pink with purpose at Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore. Throughout the month, workplaces, colleges, hospitals and communities opened their doors to conversations on breast cancer awareness. Each event carried its own meaning and together they created a month filled with learning, compassion and hope.

Run for Cancer Awareness at Prestige Tech Park
The month began with Prestige Tech Park hosting a two day cancer awareness exhibition and run. Participants gathered in large numbers to show their support. Emotional support volunteers and survivors shared their stories and encouraged everyone to stay two steps ahead of cancer through awareness and timely screening. Funds were also raised to support ICS initiatives.

Relay for Life at SAHS College
Students at SAHS College marked CancAware Week with a 4 day series of awareness activities. The week concluded with a walkathon that honoured survivors and remembered loved ones who lost their lives to cancer. A Cancer Survivor gave a very powerful talk which kept the students hooked till the very end. Their energy and dedication turned the event into a moving celebration of courage and community.

Hope and Healing at Vydehi Hospital
The ICS team joined hands with Oracle volunteers for a joyful day with cancer warriors at Vydehi Hospital. Together they played games, sang songs and spent time with cancer patients. These moments of connection brought comfort and strength to patients and reminded everyone that emotional support plays a powerful role in healing.

Krvvy Made a Pinky Promise
In partnership with ICS, the lingerie brand Krvvy turned pink for October. Each lingerie order included a breast self examination guide and a survivor story so that awareness could reach homes in a personal and meaningful way. ICS also conducted an online awareness session for the Krvvy community, led by Dr Mathangi J, Radiation Oncologist.

Awareness in Every Mirror
Across India, ICS and Oracle volunteers placed breast self examination posters in six languages inside workplace washrooms and shared spaces. Prestige Tech Park and Divyashree Chambers supported the effort by displaying the posters prominently. These everyday reminders encouraged women to check themselves regularly and stay alert to early signs.

Dar Ke Aage Jeet Hai at Prakriya Hospital
A heartwarming survivors’ celebration took place at Prakriya Hospital. ICS Emotional Support Lead Volunteer, Ms Alpa Dharamshi, was invited as the Chief Guest. Survivors and doctors dressed in pink and shared stories filled with strength. Ms Dharamshi led a cancer awareness pledge in sign language, creating a powerful moment of unity and inclusion.

Breast Cancer Awareness at Vidhyalaxmi Institute, Mangalore
ICS Mangalore conducted an awareness session at Vidhyalaxmi Group of Institutions with Dr Kavitha from AJ Hospital and Research Centre. The session reached 319 participants and included demonstrations on breast self examination. Pink ribbons and insightful discussions helped spread courage and confidence among the students.

Breast Cancer Awareness Radio Talk
The month also saw a strong radio message that reminded listeners about awareness, screening and compassion. It encouraged every woman to speak openly about breast health and to prioritise early detection.

Pink Day at Divyashree Chambers
The month ended with a vibrant Pink Day at Divyashree Chambers. Employees dressed in pink and attended an informative session by Dr Lathika Lavanya, who spoke about early detection and the importance of breast health. Participants also wrote heartfelt get well soon cards for cancer patients. Simple games helped everyone learn more about symptoms, risks and the value of timely screening.

Pinktober at ICS Bangalore was a true community effort. Each event added strength to the message that awareness saves lives. We thank all our partners, volunteers and supporters for walking with us in this journey and helping us spread hope across the city and beyond.

Jannet Maria Jibu is an MSW graduate in Clinical and Community Practice from Christ University, Bangalore, with a background in Psychology from Delhi University.

Jannet interned at leading hospitals and NGOs, working across mental health, disability support, and women’s rights.

Her passion lies in community upliftment and inclusive care. Jannet brings empathy, initiative, and leadership to every project she takes up.

 

Dr. Pavithra is an Ayurveda physician holding a BAMS degree from Ramakrishna Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore. She also has an additional certification, a PG Diploma in clinical research.

With a strong foundation in Ayurvedic medicine and clinical research, Dr. Pavithra brings a unique blend of traditional and evidence-based approaches to healthcare.

Dr. Pavithra specializes in providing adjuvant care, supportive, palliative, end-of-life care, and post-cancer survivorship, contributing to holistic cancer care through Ayurveda.

Dr. Pavan Kumar. H (BDS) graduated in 2024, worked as a consultant Dentist in Ballari, Karnataka, and worked as an Associate Dentist at Swaraj Dental Clinic in Bangalore. He is presently working as a project consultant for TCC at ICS Bangalore.

 

Dr. Pavan believes in working as a team to reach greater heights. He believes in the core values of positive attitude, optimism and self-respect. He is interested in reading digital medical journals and spending time by researching innovations in digital dentistry.

Dr. Swathi D Acharya, holds a BAMS degree and currently serves as Programme Coordinator at Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore.

With over 5 years of experience in the medical field, her career included roles such as Medical Officer at Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Bangalore, Duty Medical Officer at Pragathi Multi-speciality Hospital Mangalore and RBSK Medical Officer at NRHM Mangalore. Dr. Swathi enjoys drawing and reading books, which complement her passion for holistic well-being. 

I am a native of Kalaburagi, with an MSW completed in 2022 and an HRM in 2024. Post graduation, I gained valuable experience working with an NGO dedicated to orphan rehabilitation and have explored various other sectors. 

Driven by a passion for public service, I found the ideal platform at ICS, where I joined as a Medical Social Worker in May 2024 to contribute to public health. In my free time, I enjoy reading magazines, newspapers, and listening to music for relaxation.

Shrinidhi N. Naikal is an alumnus of Nutan Vidyalaya Commerce College, Kalaburagi. He has served as a Senior Coordinator in the magazine section of Ramoji Film City, and was the Regional Coordinator at Blue Star India Ltd., Hyderabad. Shrinidhi has volunteered at ICS from 2007 uptil June 2023. From June 2023, Shrinidhi has taken the role of the Regional Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi.

Dr. Ashwini from Kalaburgi graduated with a BAMS degree in 2023. She then interned at the HCG Cancer Hospital, Bangalore and gaining valuable experience in Radiation Oncology. She has participated in multiple medical camps with ICS with focus on community health and cancer awareness. Dr. Ashwini is a Project Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi since August 2024 and is committed to promote cancer prevention. Dr. Ashwini is a passionate singer and a state level Yoga player.

Dr. Guru Suhas. P has an undergraduate degree in Dental Sciences from Oxford College of Dental Sciences Bangalore and followed it up with a Masters in Public Health Dentistry from Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences. He then worked as faculty in Maruthi Dental College. He joined the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a Project scientist for little over two years. He has now found his passion in Indian Cancer Society and wants to help spread awareness about cancer.