Patna: The Department of Nuclear Medicine at AIIMS Patna organised an awareness walkathon on Wednesday to spread awareness about thyroid cancer and highlight the importance of early detection, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The programme was organised as part of Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month – September 2026 and was conducted under the stewardship of Dr Pankaj Kumar, Head of the Department of Nuclear Medicine, under the guidance and supervision of Prof. (Brig.) Dr Raju Agarwal, Executive Director and CEO of AIIMS Patna.
Walkathon Begins at Administrative Building
The walkathon started from the Administrative Building of AIIMS Patna and concluded at the OPD complex.
Participants carried awareness messages and raised slogans highlighting the importance of recognising thyroid cancer symptoms and seeking medical attention at the right time.
Doctors, healthcare professionals, patients, attendants and members of the public participated in the event.
Experts Highlight Warning Signs of Thyroid Cancer
During the awareness programme, experts urged people not to ignore unusual changes in the neck.
They highlighted symptoms such as an unusual lump or swelling in the neck, changes in voice and difficulty in swallowing as signs that may require medical evaluation.
People experiencing such symptoms were advised to consult healthcare professionals and undergo appropriate investigations rather than delaying medical attention.
Experts also highlighted that, in several types of thyroid cancer, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can contribute to better outcomes.
AIIMS Patna Officials Participate in Programme
Several senior officials and faculty members of AIIMS Patna attended the awareness initiative.
Those present included Dr Prashant Kumar Singh, Medical Superintendent; Dr Punam Prasad Bhadani, Dean (Academics); Dr Sanjay Pandey, Dean (Research); Dr Amit Raj, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology; Dr Yogesh, Professor of Physiology; Dr Jagjeet Pandey, Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology; and Dr Ravi Kirti, Professor of General Medicine.
Doctors and healthcare professionals from various departments also participated in the walkathon.
Focus on Awareness and Timely Medical Care
The initiative emphasised that awareness, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important components of cancer care.
The programme also encouraged people to undergo regular health check-ups and consult healthcare professionals when they notice persistent or unusual symptoms.
The Department of Nuclear Medicine at AIIMS Patna said it continues to undertake public awareness initiatives aimed at providing scientific and reliable information on cancer prevention, early detection and contemporary treatment options.
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month 2026
Through the walkathon, AIIMS Patna sought to take the message of thyroid cancer awareness beyond the hospital and into the wider community.
The initiative highlighted the importance of recognising possible warning signs, seeking timely medical advice and accessing appropriate specialist care when required.
