According to the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, breast cancer rates in Kerala have been increasing steadily in the last couple of years, and the highest number was reported in the year of 2018.

Total breast cancer cases reported are in 2016 was 682, 6,189 in 2017, and the figure further went up to 6,748 in 2018. The increasing cancer risk is a significant public health concern in the state, hence Caritas India proactively addressing the issues with the support of Government and its DSSS partner organizations

Ashakiranam programme of Caritas India in Kerala is the multi-dimensional cancer-preventive approach for building cancer resilient villages. The seven years of its journey witnessed a lot of positive changes in the societies in the realm of cancer prevention.

As part of Brest Cancer awareness programme, Ashakiranam campaign focused on building massive awareness events in October 2020 with the support of its natural partners in Kerala. in Context of concluding the Breast Cancer awareness month observation activities, Caritas Kerala team had organized a webinar on 5th November 2020. The theme of the webinar was “GIVE HOPE SAVE LIVES. The primary audience of the webinar was health professionals, DSSS Directors, DLOS, Women volunteers, and representatives of various women’s groups.

The webinar started with the introductory remarks, Fr. Jolly Putanpura, Assistant Executive Director, Caritas India, welcomed all the participants and explained the importance of arresting the spread of cancer in the community. He described the activities done by Caritas and its partners all over the last seven years by Ashakiranam project.

Most Rev. Joshua Mar Ignathios, Bishop of Mavelikkara Diocese inaugurated the webinar and in his Inaugural address, he explained about the recent trends in cancer cases in the world and how it is going to impact developing countries. Bishop Joshua Mar Ignathious reiterate new lifestyle changes in the Kerala community and the importance of bringing lifestyle changes in everyone’s lifestyle. He described how Ashkiranam project help general public and cancer patients in the last seven years.

In the opening remark Fr. Paul Moonjely, Executive Director, Caritas India shared different aspects of Cancer and how Ashakiranam evolves over the period and importance of using the available knowledge to use future program planning. Fr. Paul pointed out how the “Communitization Approach Health”, is an inevitable approach to attain sustainable development goals. This approach ensures the participation of all communities in the program activities. Ashakiranam adopted the same process and this will help us to reach more needy people in the future.

Dr.VP Gangadharan, one of the leading Oncologist in India, gave a detailed session on Cancer trends in India and Kerala, prevalence of Brest cancer, symptoms, treatment and various preventable measures. He has stated about “modifiable” and “non-modifiable” risk factors of the Cancer, furthermore the immediate requirements of lifestyle changes of the community. Dr Gangadharan also answered the questions raised by participants with regard to breast cancer and symptoms.

Following to that, Fr. Jacob Mavungal Executive Director of KSSF, addressed the participants appreciated all the diocesan social service societies to their relentless work to prevent Cancer in the community. He has stressed that it is essential to adopt more holistic approaches in cancer care and prevention programs.

Mrs. Margret from Alleppey Diocesan Organization and Mrs. Girley Shelly from SAHRUDHAYA, Ernakulam – Angamaly Diocesan social service Organization shared their experience with Cancer and how they overcome the difficult times in their lives.  Both the cancer survivors cited that their self-confidence, spiritual and family support help them overcome Cancer. The experience sharing session revealed the importance of a holistic approach to cancer care and prevention. In her concluding remarks, Ms. Babita Pinto, Operational Manager, Caritas India appreciated the presenters and reiterated the relevance of more concentrated efforts on awareness creation and one to one counselling services. The webinar concluded with vote of thanks by Mr. Nixon Mathew, Finance officer of Caritas India.