Prevalence of cancer in India is expected to increase from an estimated 3.9 million in 2015 to an estimated 7.1 million people by 2020, according to the new report.

Lack of adequate infrastructure and absence of mass screening programs are key barriers to timely and accurate diagnosis in India. Most of the cancer patients are unaware about their situation before their own diagnosis.

An estimated 2,700 mammograms installed in India, which represents less than 5% of that in the US. There is a significant shortage of oncologists in India and only one oncologist per 1,600 new cancer patients is available.

Thankfully in the recent decade, the awareness has marginally increased due to media, funding and campaigning on prevention, detection and treatment.

The gap between reported and real incidence can be primarily due to under-diagnosis, which is relatively late stage for treatment of the disease.

Ashakiranam – A Cancer Care Campaign of Caritas India was launched in Kerala in 2014 with few dioceses but later it transformed into a movement in whole of Kerala.

Inability to support the approaching cancer victims was very painful while serving as Director of Lissy Hospital but the responsibility as the Asst. Executive Director of Caritas India seems like a mission to fulfill the idea of having particular programme for the diocesan NGOs of Kerala, shared Fr. Paul Moonjely during the volunteers training programme of Palakkad and Sultanpet Diocese at Palakkad on November 23, 2017.

Volunteers are the key soldiers of this campaign and more than 16000 volunteers are dedicating their services for the awareness building, palliative care, fund mobilization to save people from this deadly disease. Almost 868 volunteers took part in this mega meaningful gathering at Palakkad.

Caritas India Chairman, Most. Rev. Dr. Lumen Monteiro, appealed to the volunteers to encounter with the heart, the mighty enemy – cancer, intra human support and mercy will trigger the power of the heart to conquer the cancer.

Mar Jacob Manathodath, Bishop of Palakkad said, “family farming, family food and exerting lifestyle are the best remedy to deterrent cancer. He also mentioned the Ashakiranam intervention of both the Diocesan NGOs programme help to conquer the deadly disease.

Focusing on the prevention aspect, Most Rev. Antony Sami Peter Abir, Bishop of Sultanpet shared that pollution free air, water, food and eco concern are the pillars of cancer prevention and if the strength of the pillars are insufficient the structure can with stand the adversities.

The Honorable Guests, Member of Parliament Sri. M.B. Rajesh, Sri. K. Krishnankutty MLA, Sri. Shafi Parambil MLA and KSSF Director Fr. George Vettikattil appreciated the intervention of Ashakiranam activities of both the Dioceses and assured all the support and back up for the programme.

All the volunteers took oath of commitment to discern and come back from cancer. Awareness programme like street play of Sultanpet Multipurpose Social Service Society volunteers and mime of People’s Social Service, Palakkad volunteers bring forth the impetus of service and commitment of participants.