With Theme ‘I Am & I Will’ of World Cancer Day, Cancer Screening & Awareness Camp at AJ Cancer Institute
With Theme ‘I Am & I Will’ of World Cancer Day, Cancer Screening & Awareness Camp Inaugurated at AJ Cancer Institute on Tuesday, 4 February 2020 at A J Cancer Institute Hall at 9.30 am
Mangaluru :Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer often has the ability to spread throughout your body. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in cancer screening and cancer treatment. Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer, include:
Fatigue; Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin; Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain; Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won’t heal, or changes to existing moles; Changes in bowel or bladder habits; Persistent cough or trouble breathing Difficulty swallowing; Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating; Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain; Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats and Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that concern you. If you don’t have any signs or symptoms, but are worried about your risk of cancer, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Ask about which cancer screening tests and procedures are appropriate for you. In an effort to create mass awareness , A J Cancer Institute, Mangaluru organized a public Education Awareness programme on Cancer and also Screening of Cancer on “World Cancer Day” ( 4 February) at 9. 30 am.
The programme began with invoking God’s blessing through a prayer son by Ms Padmakanthi from Dept of Transplant, followed by welcome address by dr Chaitra- PG in Radiation Oncology. The programme was inaugurated by lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest- Dr Vinitah Rai- Registrar, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, along with other dignitaries on the dais, namely- Dr Amitha P Marla- Director/Medical Administrator of A J Hospital & Research Centre; Dr K Kamalaksh Shenoy- Consultant Radiation Oncologist at A J Cancer Institute (AJCI); Dr Rachan Shetty K S- Consultant Medical Oncologist-AJCI; Ankith S Kumar- Counselor/Administrative Staff at Sahyadri College of Engineering & Management, Adyar; and Dileep -Social Worker-AJCI.
Dr Vishwanath- Consultant Oncologist; Dr Venkataraman Kini- Pain and Palliative Medicine; Dr Kavitha- Radiation Oncologist; Dr Naveen rodrigues- Pain and Palliative Medicine; Dr Suresh Karanth- Hemato Oncologist; Dr Sujith Rai- Nuclear Oncologist and PET-CT; and Dr Akshatah Nayak- Hemato Oncologist also graced the occasion. Addressing the audience Dr Amitha Marla said, “We are happy to launch this cancer screening and awareness camp, which will benefit public. I am happy to note that A J Cancer Institute has all the treatment facilities under one roof – ie Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Adult & Pediatric Hemato Oncology, Radiology and other multi-specialty departments to detect cancer at an early stage facilitating early treatment options with better outcomes and faster recovery”.
Dr Rachan Shetty K S said, “Many cancers like, breast, cervix, oral, lung , colon cancer can be detected with a screening tests which is easily accessible in peripheral health centres, hence the active participation of general population and health education plays a key role here. At AJ Cancer Institute we have treated hundreds of cancer patients and many are cured of cancer and are leading a happy life today. Early detection is the best way to cure cancer, and programmes like this one, will bring awareness among the public about this deadly disease”.
Emphasizing on early diagnosis of cancer, Dr Kamalaksh Shenoy, “Cancer is curable and early detection can be an added advantage especially if it is detected in the 1st or 2nd stage. So, there is a much high chance for cure and to decrease the rate of recurrence. Most of the cancers if detected at an early stage can be surgically removed and even chemotherapy can be avoided at times. Usually, Chemotherapy is done to increase the chances of cure & decrease chances of recurrence. There are lots of myths regarding Chemotherapy which the general public has to be educated about and will be addressed during the program”.
There was a short skit on the awareness of Cancer by the students of Bachelor of Hospital Administration and Master of Hospital Administration. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Sathya-Medical Asssitant, Dept of Medical Oncology, and the programme was compered by Ms Vinoda- Dept of Hospital Infection Control. AJ cancer institute staff, radia
