On the occasion of World Cancer Day 2016, the Department of Oncology at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, along with Canserve Society, organized a cancer awareness program on February 4, 2016.

The program was inaugurated by Cine artist, Kalabhavan Shajon. A quiz program with emphasis on cancer awareness was conducted as part of the event which was attended by school students from various schools in the city. Amrita Vidyalayam, Edapally; Bhavans Vidya Mandir, Elamakkara and Adarsha Vidyalaya secured the first, second and third prizes respectively.

The highlight of the awareness program was a street play by the Pharm. D. students and a skit by the students from the Amrita College of Nursing which drove home the message of daily exercise, healthy food habits and seeking early medical care and held up the theme for this year’s cancer day “We Can I Can”.

This was followed by a panel discussion. The panel of experts included Dr. K. Pavithran, Professor and Head of the Department of Medical Oncology; Dr. D. K. Vijaykumar, Professor and Head of the Department of Surgical Oncology and Dr. M. Dinesh, Professor and Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology and consultants from the Oncology Team.   Members from the Canserve Society, which is a charitable society founded by a group of dynamic cancer survivors, also participated.  Issues pertaining to delay in seeking treatment, psychosocial aspects pertaining to cancer care and the menace of unscientific alternative medical systems were discussed. A set of cultural events followed. The program ended with a pledge of support for cancer patients.