Cancer Awareness And Education Program

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. It accounts for 7.4 million deaths (around 13% of all deaths) in 2004. Cancer often creates fear which comes out of ignorance and misconception. More than 30% of cancer cases could be prevented by modifying lifestyle or avoiding key risk factors. About 1/3rd of cancer cases could be reduced if cases are treated and detected at an early stage.

Since 1987, the Indian Cancer Society has conducted more than 5000 Cancer Awareness Programs which have benefited more than 6,35,000 participants. ICS has also conducted more than 300 Cancer related Exhibitions benefiting more than 1,90,000 participants.

 Objectives of the Cancer Awareness and Educational Program:

• To create awareness of the disease.

• To help people recognize the early signs and symptoms of cancer, thus enabling them to seek treatment at an early stage. The program encourages the participants to seek prompt medical attention for symptoms which may include lumps, sores, bleeding, hoarseness, weight loss and persistent indigestion/cough/pain, etc.

• To educate people about the key risk factors of cancer since more than 30% of cancer cases could be prevented by modifying lifestyle or avoiding the key risk factors.

• To inform people about the importance of cancer check-ups at an early stage and to motivate them to avail of cancer check-up services at a very nominal cost through the Cancer Detection Centre and Mobile Cancer Detection Centre of ICS.

  Achievements of Cancer Awareness and Educational Program:

During 2009 - 2010, 184 Cancer Awareness and Educational Programs were conducted at various places such as schools, banks, colleges, private companies, NGOs and Government organizations. A total of 26,315 participants benefited from these programs. During the programs, information was given about cancer, causes and symptoms of cancer, types of cancer, cancer check up and its importance, cancer treatment and prevention. During the program, pamphlets related to cancer were distributed among the participants to educate them about cancer.

Also, during 2009 - 2010, a total of 10 Exhibitions related to cancer were conducted through which a total of 8,500 participants benefited. During the exhibitions, cancer related posters were shown to the participants to explain various aspects of cancer in a better way. Also literature related to cancer was distributed during the exhibitions.