Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation, News18 Network, and Tata Trusts, renowned for their commitment to meaningful and impactful initiatives, are joining forces to unveil ‘Sanjeevani-United against cancer.’ ‘Sanjeevani’ is a collaborative effort aimed at raising awareness and fostering conversations about the silent cancer epidemic, as well as addressing the fears that often accompany this devastating disease. The initiative seeks to promote early and consistent health tests, effective tumor management, and symptom recognition, all of which are critical elements in the fight against cancer.

Cancer continues to pose a significant health challenge worldwide, ranking among the leading causes of mortality. In India, the reluctance to address cancer early is often rooted in fear and a lax attitude toward health. Common forms of cancer in the country include Breast Cancer, Oral Cancer, Cervical Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Colorectal Cancer. ‘Sanjeevani’ is focused on empowering and supporting individuals to confront these fears and actively combat 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% achieve a reprieve through early detection facilitated by awareness. Unfortunately, this ratio is reversed in India. Hence, it has become urgent to combat the social stigma surrounding cancer and address hesitancy around early detection tests.

Shyam Srinivasan, MD, and CEO of Federal Bank, commended the initiative, emphasizing the need to overcome nonchalance and dismissiveness around the possibility of cancer affecting anyone. He stated, “Cancer screening needs to become an integral part of annual health checkups, which too need to be a disciplined activity.” Federal Bank’s collaboration with News18, with its extensive reach, aims to increase testing and screening in the country, ultimately leading to more survivors.

The ‘Sanjeevani’ initiative will be officially launched during an event at The Oberoi in New Delhi on September 27, 2023. The event will be inaugurated by Dr. Mansukh L. Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, and attended by renowned actress, social activist, and cancer survivor Lisa Ray, as well as other esteemed personalities from various fields, including Amitabh Dube, MD, Novartis India, Padma Shri Dr. Rajendra Badwe, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, and film director Anurag Basu.

Puneet Singhvi, CEO – Digital & President – Corporate Strategy at Network18 Media & Investments Ltd., highlighted the barriers in the fight against cancer, including anxiety, fear, concerns about treatment, financial burden, and family repercussions. He emphasized the critical importance of early detection and the ‘Sanjeevani’ initiative’s mission to educate and raise awareness about it.

Mr. Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts, expressed their commitment to revolutionizing cancer care in India and their happiness in partnering as knowledge partners with ‘Sanjeevani, United Against Cancer.’ He emphasized the importance of fostering awareness, meaningful discussions, and addressing fears linked to cancer, ultimately increasing the chances of survival.

The launch of the second season of ‘Sanjeevani’ in collaboration with Federal Bank Hormis Memorial Foundation and Tata Trusts signifies another significant step in this admirable journey. ‘Sanjeevani’ is more than an initiative; it is a movement that aims to encourage informed discussions and drive awareness around cancer, combatting the fears associated with the disease and promoting a proactive approach towards health tests and symptom management – vital steps in the fight against cancer.

News18 Network, India’s largest news network, has a history of impactful initiatives aimed at improving people’s lives and contributing to the nation’s progress. The network, in partnership with like-minded brands, plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives and fostering discussions that drive cultural advancement. Through its influential projects, News18 has brought together communities, policymakers, and businesses to drive change and make a positive impact, reaffirming its commitment to social responsibility and a better and healthier future for India.