The World Health Organization announced that approximately 9.6 million deaths took place in 2018 around the world because of cancer. Although cancers could cause great burden on anyone, the seriousness about these diseases is yet to be understood by the public.
There are 120 types of cancer and the WHO states that 70% of cancer cases occur in low and middle income countries. While genetic occurrence of cancer could not be prevented, other types of cancer could be averted if people are aware & alert about it. 22% of cancer deaths are caused due to intake of tobacco and no matter how it is taken- either chewed or smoked, it inflicts its cruelty slowly.
Globally, on Feb 4 the World Cancer Day is observed and willing hospitals and NGOs come forward to create awareness and provide support to reduce cancer burden.
Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research (SRIOR) which has been phenomenally rendering support to reduce cancer related losses and also increase awareness about cancer announced. In connection with this year’s World Cancer Day, three important announcements were made by SRIOR’s director Dr.Guhan in the presence of D.Lakshminarayanaswamy, Managing Trustee, SNR Sons Charitable Trust and Sravan Kumar.J, Commissioner, Coimbatore Corporation.
Awareness Umbrellas
SRIOR will be providing Awareness Umbrellas to the interested NGOs and public. These umbrellas will have colored ribbons that are associated with its respective cancer types. (For instance, if it is breast cancer, it will have the pink colored ribbon and a QR Code near it) Once scanned with a QR Code Scanner, it will provide details about the disease, symptoms, warning signs and all other forms of awareness.
Fundraising Website
The website ‘www.helpcancers.com’ was launched at the event. Dr.Guhan said that through this website, patients who are not a registered party in Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme will be given the opportunity to get donations from generous donors for their cancer treatments. SRIOR doctors as a part of their contribution will waive their fee for treating the patients who receive cancer care through ‘HelpCancer’ website.
Free Prostrate Screening Program
With February being the month for Cancer Awareness, throughout this month SRIOR will conduct free prostrate screening program for men above 35 years of age. President of Rotary Club of Coimbatore Cottoncity donated Rs.1 lakh for the ‘helpcancer’ initiative.
At the event, Sravan Kumar, Commissioner, Coimbatore Corporation appreciated SNR Sons Charitable Trust for coming forward with such measures to combat cancer yet again. In this era, information is key and that’s how you reach general public and alert them.
He said that in today’s world, right from air, water, vegetable , fruits to every other component we intake get polluted. A healthy lifestyle could help us have lesser chances of coming across cancer, he said. Enough awareness could help us to combat cancer and SRIOR’s initiatives like these – awareness umbrella, fundraiser website etc are all commendable. He wished the current generation of medical students to take interest in creating awareness apart from focusing on academics. He mentioned that by spreading awareness more you could be saved.
Speaking about infrastructural developments in Coimbatore, he said that normally people would say that the roads are not well, lights are not proper but in just another 2-3 years’ time there would be visible change. He added that all the projects state and district administration takes are aimed at giving better livelihood to the people.
He mentioned that Rs.10,000-13,000 crores worth of projects are going on in Coimbatore that includes airport expansion, flyover constructions, 24/7 water supply, Underground drainage facilities and much more. In 4 years, the city will have water continuously (in a phased manner); like how electricity is available. “Good day are ahead”, he assured.