A group of young and talented social work trainees are dancing on the streets to spread awareness of Cancer. The people are bound to stop and see this beautiful performance aimed to dispel the myths related to cancer, its symptoms and promote early detection screening.

Shreyas Social Service Society, a Caritas India partner of Ashakiranam Cancer Care Campaign at Sultan Bathery, Wayanad in Kerala has initiated a Cancer Awareness Campaign as part of observing National Cancer Awareness Day.

The cancer burden is rising in the Wayanad District. According to Survey in Pain and Palliative Care Unit (in 2016), Mananthyavady holds the greatest number of cancer cases. The lack of Oncology Department and Specialists in Wayanad Government hospitals also exacerbates the problem. Since Wayanad holds a major portion of tribal in Kerala, awareness is important to have early detection and treatment.

This campaign is promoting and creating awareness in the public and emphasizing the importance of early detection, which play a major role in cancer treatment. As part of the campaign, on 7th November 2021 the interns of Shreyas, Sulthan Bathery conducted a cancer awareness campaign through fundraising, cancer awareness audio and dance drama at public places.

The interns have successfully mobilised ₹11,500 from Pulpally and Mananthavady regions and a substantial amount of donation was given to the Ashakiranam Cancer Care campaign to support the cancer victims. They have also presented cancer awareness audio drama at 8 different buses which have high mobility. The interns have exhibited excellent talent by performing dance drama on the cancer prevention theme at Pulpally and Mananthavady.

The campaign directly reached almost 300 people and it will benefit 1500 families indirectly. The program was able to create awareness among the people and made them think about the causes and consequences of cancer and the possible treatments for the disease. It also helped to remove the stigma and fear attached to cancer and gave an insight into the government schemes available for cancer patients. It reminded the people about the need for care and support of society to the affected family. The program guided them to recognize the early signs and symptoms of cancer, thus enabling them to seek treatment at an early stage. Improved health conditions will improve the quality of life of the people in these regions which will enhance their well-being.

“It is a dream to conduct such innovative actions at different parts of the country to spread the Cancer awareness among people,” says Siby Poulose, the Program Associate, Caritas India. Cancer is a menace that eats away at humans. Despite the growing number of new cancer patients, many are still unaware of this danger. A majority of people are ignorant about the precautionary and preventive aspects of cancer. Hence the awareness was apt and able to reach out to many people. It is high time for an extensive awareness campaign to mitigate the loss created by cancer.