Cancer Awareness Program

OBJECTIVES:

• Create cancer awareness and remove the stigma and fear attached.
• Help people recognize early signs and symptoms of cancer, thus enabling them to seek at an early stage.
• Educate people about the key risk factors, since more than 30% of cancer cases could be prevented by modifying lifestyle or avoiding the risk factor.
• Inform women about mammograms, clinical breast exam and breast self-exam.

The Department of Biochemistry, St. Philomena’s college, Mysuru volunteered in a cancer awareness program, headed by a team led by Ms. Yamuna of The Organization of Development of People (ODP), Mysuru. The cancer awareness program and the fund generation for the same was a part of the major event organized in the view of World environment day organized by The Organization of Development of People (ODP), Mysuru and Bhusiri Development Foundation (BDF). The Program was graced and blessed by Most Rev. Dr. K. A. William, Bishop of Mysore along with Rev. Msgr. Alfred John Mendonca and nine other dignitaries. Fr. Alex Prashanth Sequeira, The Director of ODP greeted the gathering and welcomed all the guests and the dignitaries.

The agriculturists, with a ball park figure of 700, from the rural places from four districts,

(Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagara and Kodagu) were present in the event. The dignitaries spoke on various environmental and the agricultural issues such the depleting natural resources and its causes, the importance of soil life and the necessity of preventing the soil erosion, importance of forest cover to be conserved, direct and indirect effect of environmental changes on health etc.

Various stalls were set up which included the display of eco friendly fertilizers, various agricultural chemical products, innovative equipments, vegetables, fruits etc. One among many stalls was dedicated to spread the awareness of cancer, headed by Ms. Yamuna, of The Organization of Development of People (ODP), Mysuru. Kiran E, a student of B.Sc. second year (BtBMb) and Mr Nicholas Fernandes, Faculty in the Department of Biochemistry, St Philomena’s College, Mysuru, volunteered to explain about the different types of cancers, its causes and preventions.

People were made aware of the importance of various foods which act as good antioxidants that will help to prevent different types of cancer. The visitors were encouraged to extend their generosity towards the donation as a part of fund-raising campaign to support the poor and the needy who cannot afford the treatment of cancer. The team successfully conveyed the message and spread the awareness regarding the cancer to more than 700 people.

Outcome:

The cancer awareness stall emphasized the importance of self-examination among participants; such methods may help cancer cases be diagnosed at an earlier stage, thereby improving patient prognosis and reducing the burden on the local healthcare system.