The Gujarat Titans cricket team has announced that they will wear lavender-coloured jerseys during their last home match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) season on May 15th as part of their initiative to support the fight against cancer. The team will be led by Hardik Pandya and face off against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
This move aims to highlight the critical issue of cancer, which contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in India and worldwide. The colour lavender, which symbolizes all types of cancer, is a powerful reminder of the many lives affected by this devastating disease.
The Gujarat Titans hope to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention by wearing lavender jerseys. They emphasize the crucial role that lifestyle changes can play in combating cancer. Through this initiative, they aim to inspire people to learn more about cancer prevention and necessary lifestyle changes, along with regular screening for early detection, that can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya stated, “Cancer is a battle fought by millions in India and across the globe. We feel responsible for raising awareness about this deadly disease as a team. Wearing lavender jerseys is our way of showing solidarity with cancer patients, survivors, and their families. We hope our actions inspire others to take preventive measures and support those fighting this battle.”
Globally, cancer ranks as the second most common cause of death, leading to approximately 9.9 million fatalities in 2020. The last decade saw the worldwide incidence of cancer surge by 26%, while cancer-related deaths saw a 21% increase.
In India, there is a one in nine chance of an individual developing cancer during their lifetime. The projected number of new cancer cases in the country for 2022 stood at over 14.16 lakhs, with an anticipated 12.8% rise in cancer incidence by 2025 compared to 2020. The Gujarat Titans’ initiative is an important step towards raising awareness about the disease and encouraging people to take preventive measures.
