With Theme ‘We Can. I Can’- WCD observed at Infant Jesus Shrine with Cancer Screening
With Theme ‘We Can.I Can’- World Cancer day (WCD) observed at Infant Jesus Shrine-Bikkarnakatte, Mangaluru with Cancer Screening and Awareness on Cancer disease.
Mangaluru: For 2016 to 2018, the theme for observing World Cancer Day which was on 4 February was ‘We Can. I can.’ Under this theme, people individually and collectively understood and worked towards lessening the impact and harmful effects of the condition globally. On Sunday, February 4, 2018, individuals and communities across the world came together to spread and raise awareness about cancer. Commemorated internationally as World Cancer Day, it was founded under the direction of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) with the aim of supporting the World Cancer Declaration goals written in 2008.
People across the world have ever since come together on this day to ensure optimal awareness and significantly reduce illness and deaths caused by cancer by 2020. Around the world, many joined in observing the day.The theme mobilized people to work towards generating more discussions on and about cancer and for making it an issue of highest concern in terms of political discussions as well. On our part, individuals can lessen the risk of getting diagnosed with cancer by avoiding tobacco, alcohol consumption and maintaining a generally healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and proper physical activity.
It is important to get regular medical check-ups done and to be aware and spread word about the symptoms that could indicate a cancer scare. Further, people can render emotional support to the ones battling cancer by sharing their own stories of surviving the life-threatening condition. And for that matter, as they say “Better Late Than Never” A J Hospital and Research Centre-Mangaluru observed the “World Cancer Day” four days later (8 February) is association with Infant Jesus Medical Mission by organizing a Cancer Screening, Consultation, and Awareness on Cancer disease at the Infant Jesus Shrine Hall – Bikkarankatte, Mangaluru.
The programme began with a prayer song “Showers of Blessings” invoking God’s blessings led by compere Ms Lidwin D’souza- Manager, A J Hospital and Research Centre, followed by inauguration of the programme by lighting of the lamp by chief guest Dr Prashanth Marla- Medical Director, AJHRC; along with guest of honor Fr Wilfred Rodrigues-Rector at Infant Jesus Shrine; along with other dignitaries on the dais namely-Dr Venkataramana Kini- Radiation Oncology specialist; Dr Kavitha- Radialogy Oncology Secialist; and Dr Naveen Rodrigues- Pain and Palliative Care specialist- all of them at AJHRC.
Addressing the audience Dr Prashanth Marla said, ” Cancer is known as one of the deadliest and scariest disease. Anyone in a family can get cancer, due to family medical history background.But with proper health check-up and preventive measures, and early detection of cancer, about 96% of the cancer can be cured, and the patient could be out of danger. Radiation and chemotherapy are couple other treatments that could help in curing cancer. There is no age limit- anyone from younger age to adult could be affected with cancer. Cancer prevention is action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer. This can include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding exposure to known cancer-causing substances, and taking medicines or vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing. Even programmes like these- Health Check-Up, Screening, Awareness Programmes etc can be useful in preventing cancer developing”.
Also speaking on the occasion, Fr Wilfred Rodrigues said, ” The Infant Jesus Medical Mission which was launched four years ago has benefited many people who come here to the Shrine. Thursdays from 9.30 onwards there is a free health check-up conducted by Dr Naveen Rodrigues. Also the Mission provides free medicine to those who can’t afford to buy, and also blood test and other health-related tests are done at a very reasonable by a private lab. I am thankful to AJ Hospital and research centre for associating with us in organizing this Screening, Awareness Talk and Consultation pertaining to Cancer”. Many people made use of this programme, where the visiting doctors did some health check-ups and gave some tips on how to prevent from getting cancer.