Chennai Marathon Draws 3,000 to Fight Cervical Cancer, Boost Women's Safety

More than 3,000 people participated in the Singappen Marathon held in Chennai on Sunday to raise awareness about cervical cancer and promote the national women's safety helpline 1091. The marathon was flagged off by K. Bhavaneeswari, chief of the Singappen Special Force (SSF), from Island Grounds, and concluded at Light House along the Marina Beach stretch.

The event was jointly organised by the Rotary Club of Madras Central, InnerWheel Clubs of District 323, and the Singappen Special Force. Participants included college students, healthcare workers, and members of civil society organisations, all running in support of the twin causes of cancer prevention and women's safety.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Bhavaneeswari stressed the need to generate greater awareness among women about cervical cancer and its prevention. She also urged the public to widely circulate the women's helpline number 1091, which is operated by the police across the country to assist women in distress.

Nallammai Ramanathan, chairman of the Singappen Marathon, noted that India accounts for about 25 percent of the global deaths caused by cervical cancer. He called for immediate and sustained action to spread awareness and to ensure that women have access to screening and vaccination facilities.

Health experts describe cervical cancer as a largely preventable disease. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects against the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus, is recommended for girls aged 9 to 14. Regular screening through Pap smears or VIA tests can detect precancerous lesions early, making timely treatment possible and reducing mortality significantly.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research, cervical cancer accounts for about 10 percent of all cancer cases among women in India, with an estimated 1.2 lakh new cases and nearly 67,000 deaths annually. The government's national programme for non-communicable diseases includes screening for common cancers, including cervical cancer, at primary health centres across the country.

The helpline 1091, a key element of the government's emergency response framework, offers immediate assistance to women facing domestic violence, harassment, or other threats. It is designed to connect callers directly to local police stations or women's help cells, ensuring timely intervention. Awareness of helplines and their functioning is considered crucial for enhancing women's safety and ensuring that victims receive the support they need.

The marathon also provided an opportunity for local communities to engage with these critical issues in a public setting. Sridhar Krishnaswamy, president of the Rotary Club of Madras Central, participated in the event, extending the organisers' collective commitment to the cause.

In India, several awareness campaigns and mass screening initiatives have been undertaken in recent years to reduce cervical cancer-related deaths. However, experts say that stigma and lack of information continue to hinder progress, making public events like marathons important in normalising conversations around the disease and encouraging proactive health behaviours.

Events like the Singappen Marathon help bridge the gap between medical knowledge and public action, encouraging families and individuals to take concrete steps in preventing cervical cancer and in supporting women's safety networks. By bringing together thousands of residents on a Sunday morning, the marathon underscored that health awareness and community solidarity go hand in hand.