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> News 7 Mar 2006
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LONDON AND PUNJAB CELEBRATES Mar 2006
View all news SUCCESSFUL LAUNCH OF INDIA'S FIRST
New members needed for
Get involved MOBILE BREAST CANCER SCREENING UNIT
Gene Therapy Advisory
Have Your Say PUNJAB -- Amritsar was the scene of great Committee - one place for a
celebration and joy on December 18, 2005 medical/clinical oncologist,
Supporting you and one for a patient
following the successful launch of the MKC Trust's
Roko Cancer Appeal's mobile breast cancer advocate with a knowledge
screening unit, a brand-new coach-sized of cancer. If this sounds like
fully-equipped clinic which provides you download the
Contact Us
mammographies and ultrasound therapy to information leaflet here or
women at risk of breast cancer and all free of visit the website.
charge.

The day was attended by the British High Mar 2006

Commissioner of India, senior Government
An Information Day for
Ministers including Keith Vaz MP, high-profile
Carers is being held on the
stars of Bollywood and influential VIPs from the
21st March 2006 by Suffolk
world of science, medicine, education and
Family Carers who support
techology.
people caring for cancer
All agreed that the unit was a testament to the patients. The day will run
generosity of the British and Indian peoples who from 10am-3pm at the
supported both the vision and the pioneering Family and carers
work of the founder of Roko Cancer. information and support
centre in Claydon. For more
That founder is the London-based businessman information contact 01473
APS (Pal) Chawla. A leading figure who promotes 835400 or download the
Indo-British relations, Mr Chawla is recognised as flier here.
a pioneer in breast cancer awareness.

Well-connected, this remarkable man lists both

the Indian and UK Prime Ministers as supporters
and is championed by Cherie Blair, Sandra
Howard, Sarah Kennedy and other prominent
supporters within the British Government.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Breakthrough

Breast Cancer attended the unit's launch and in a
special report praised Mr Chawla for his fight
against cancer.

He wrote: "The unit is a tribute to the fundraising

of Pal Chawla. He and his family have mobilised
the community to raise funds for this remarkable
achievement. Many people dream of such an
undertaking but few make it happen. Pal

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Chawla's determination and vision have paid off."

Cherie Blair, a prominent QC and a voice which

regularly champions women's issues added: "The
launch of the mobile breast screening unit will
give voice to those who may not have anyone
else to champion their health."

Latest figures show how 79,000 women in India

develop breast cancer each year. In Britain, the
figure is 40,000. Experts agree that early
detection is key in the successful treatment of
breast cancer so it is hoped that the new unit,
launched by Mr Chawla, will further encourage
women to look after their health.

A DVD produced by the Roko Cancer Appeal

emphasises just that and urges women to make
healthy living a priority alongside the everyday
concerns of modern-day life.

Further plans include a documentary on

preventing breast cancer, collaborative work with
Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer
Care and developing a new campaign targetting
black and minority ethnic women (BME) in the
UK.

To support this work, the MP Keith Vaz has

launched The Tiffin Club, a fundraising venture
which will raise money for the Roko Cancer
Appeal. MPs from across the UK are supporting
this and on 16 May 2006, an unprecedented Roko
Cancer Day will take place exclusively at the
House of Commons.

Mr Chawla who has worked incredibly hard during

the five years since the charity was first set up
was honoured at the launch of the unit for his
work in establishing better cancer awareness.

A grand ceremony which celebrated Mr Chawla as

the top VIP Guest of Honour moved him greatly.
Amongst hundreds of influential figures, Mr
Chawla was recognised as a key component in
encouraging women to be more open about their
health.

Modestly he said: "I am proud that I was able to

provide just a small drop in the ocean. There will
be others who will help to fill it and together we
will build this campaign into a movement for the
vulnerable and disadvantaged within society. I
was tremendously moved by the support given in
endorsing the work started. Our next stage now is
to work more closely with BME communities so
that they can be encouraged to seek preventative
medical help if they feel they might be at risk
from breast cancer."

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For an interview with APS (Pal) Chawla, please

contact Joycelyn Bruce, Press Officer 020 7709
1319/07786 731815 or
rokopressoffice@yahoo.com

Notes to Editors

According to Dr Badwe of India's Tata Memorial

Hospital, statistics of Maharashtra Western India
show that one in every 25 women will develop
breast cancer.

In southern India stats show that in Madras,

Tamil Nadu one in every 32 women is affected by
the disease while in northern India the incidence
rates are one in every 30.

Latest figures show that of the 79,000 women in

India who developed breast cancer the largest
number was in the age group of 40-65 yrs. This
has been attributed to affluence, late marriage
and low breast feeding.

About the screening unit

The costs for running the mobile breast cancer

screening unit is approx £2,500 a month. This
pays for a radiographer, a technician, a driver and
a co-ordinator. Fundraising events and
sponsorship deals will help cover some of the
costs.

About MKC Trust's Roko Cancer Appeal

The word "Roko" in the charity's title means stop

and was founded five years ago by entrepeneur
Paul Chawla in memory of his late wife. The aim is
to support vulnerable men and women who may
be at risk of the breast cancer. It also funds early
detection programmes and offers support to
those affected as well as their partners and
familes.

The charity enjoys support from a large number

of leading MPs including Keith Vaz whose
championship of the MP-led Tiffin Club will benefit
the Appeal, Sarah Kennedy, Cherie Blair, John
Prescott MP and Sandra Howard.

The aims of the Appeal are:

1 To offer financial support to hospitals in their

palliative care and treatment of breast cancer
patients

2 To help the terminally ill survive with

comfort, peace and dignity

3 To offer support and practical advice to the

partners and familes of breast cancer

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4 To continue working with other UK charities

in raising awareness of the disease by bringing
the breast health messages direct to local
communities

For further information please contact

rokopressoffice@yahoo.com

Joycelyn Bruce Press Office

The Roko Cancer Appeal

direct 020 7791 9686

mobile 07786 731 815

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Date checked/updated: 17 Mar 2006

Page review date: 28 May 2006

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