With Theme ‘I Am & I Will’ of World Cancer Day, KMC Hospitals organize Public Awareness on Cancer
With Theme ‘I Am & I Will’ of World Cancer Day KMC Hospitals organize Programme on Public Awareness & Comprehensive Cancer Care, on Sunday, 2 February 2020 at KMC Hospital-Jyothi Circle, Mangaluru
Mangaluru :Cancer refers to any one of a large number of diseases characterized by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Cancer often has the ability to spread throughout your body. Cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the world. But survival rates are improving for many types of cancer, thanks to improvements in cancer screening and cancer treatment. Some general signs and symptoms associated with, but not specific to, cancer, include:
Fatigue; Lump or area of thickening that can be felt under the skin; Weight changes, including unintended loss or gain; Skin changes, such as yellowing, darkening or redness of the skin, sores that won’t heal, or changes to existing moles; Changes in bowel or bladder habits; Persistent cough or trouble breathing Difficulty swallowing; Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating; Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain; Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats and Unexplained bleeding or bruising
Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that concern you. If you don’t have any signs or symptoms, but are worried about your risk of cancer, discuss your concerns with your doctor. Ask about which cancer screening tests and procedures are appropriate for you. In an effort to create mass awareness, KMC Hospitals Mangaluru organized a public Awareness programme and Comprehensive Cancer Care two-days ahead of “World cancer Day” ( which is on 4 February) on Sunday, 2 February 2020.
Speaking to Team Mangalorean, Dr Anand Venugopal, Medical Superintendent, KMC Hospitals said, “ We are happy to launch this unique awareness programme for the benefit of common people. This will be an insightful programme for people, as it will demystify various myths around cancer and its treatment. It requires a multi-disciplinary team and specialised centre to manage cancer effectively. The Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre at KMC hospital has all the treatment facilities under one roof – ie Medical Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Adult & Pediatric Hemato Oncology, Radiology and other multi-specialty departments to detect cancer at an early stage facilitating early treatment options with better outcomes and faster recovery”.
Dr Harish E , Consultant Surgical Oncology at KMC Hospitals Mangaluru said, “Many cancers like, breast, cervix, oral, lung , colon cancer can be detected with a screening tests which is easily accessible in peripheral health centres, hence the active participation of general population and health education plays a key role here. At KMC Hospitals, being a tertiary care centre we have treated hundreds of cancer patients and many are cured of cancer and are leading a happy life today. On 2nd Feb 2020 many of the cancer patients who are cured of disease are participating in the program and will be sharing their experience about their fight against the deadly diseases.”
Emphasizing on early diagnosis of cancer, Dr Sanyo D’souza Consultant Medical Oncology, KMC Hospitals Mangaluru said, “Cancer is curable and early detection can be an added advantage especially if it is detected in the 1st or 2nd stage. So, there is a much high chance for cure and to decrease the rate of recurrence. Most of the cancers if detected at an early stage can be surgically removed and even chemotherapy can be avoided at times. Usually, Chemotherapy is done to increase the chances of cure & decrease chances of recurrence. There are lots of myths regarding Chemotherapy which the general public has to be educated about and will be addressed during the program”.
Following the briefing about cancer by these two doctors, it was testimonial time for the people affected with cancer or their kith and kin to share their thoughts. Ms Flavia D’souza speaking of her 72 years old mother, a cancer survivor said, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr Sanyo D’souza for his excellent care and treatment on my mother. Every time my mother has an appointment to see Dr D’souza, she is full of enthusiasm and energy, and eagerly waiting to meet him. The doctors and nurses at KMC hospital have treated my mother well, and have taken away the fear of cancer from her”
Ashwin Dantis speaking on his cancer affected father said, “Before getting treatment at KMC hospital, my father was totally nervous and was full of fear, but once the doctors and nurses took good care of him, he is happy and not worried of this deadly disease. My sincere thanks to the doctors, staff and nurses of KMC who have taken good care and brought a new kind of life in my father”. Ms Sumathi, aged 65 who has been coming all the way from Kannur, having faith in KMC doctors for her Cancer treatment had full praise for Dr Harish E and Dr Sanyo D’souza, for their diagnostic, chemo and radiation therapy, which has reduced her symptoms, and urged others to trust the doctors at KMC for their cancer treatment.
All these three persons were presented with saplings for their testimonials as appreciation from KMC and the respective department doctors. Following this was the panel discussion which was handled by Dr Dr Prashanth Bhat, Consultant Hematology, and presided over by eminent panelists of doctors from The Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre at KMC Hospitals, who addressed all the queries related to cancer treatment and effective management. Dr Harsha Prasad, Pediatric Hemato Oncologist, KMC spoke on cancer in children, and said that early detection will prevent cancer from spreading when they grow up under proper treatment; Dr Vidyashri Kamath- Consultant Gynecologist spoke on women having cancer, and said that mammography and regular treatment will control the cancer symptoms.
Dr Sanyo D’souza said that he doesn’t hesitate to inform a person he or she, if they are affected with cancer, because speaking out the truth is much better than lying or hiding-and with proper treatment the cancer patients don’t have to worry a lot. Dr P U Saxena -a Consultant Radiation Oncologist said that patients consider him as a “Current Shock Doctor” because they think that radiation therapy is like a current shock. He clarified that people don’t have to worry a lot about radiation therapy since it is not harmful or painful. Dr Karthik K S- Consultant Surgical Oncologist spoke saying that cancer patients should not worry about surgeries, because they are done in a very systematic and with utmost care at KMC.
Everyone who participated in this Awareness programme took home some very good information pertaining to cancer. The programme was compered by Hariprasad- Deputy Manager, Marketing Department at KMC-Dr Ambedkar/Jyoyhi Circle. Life’s On at KMC!
