PGIMER, Chandigarh on Sunday quoted WHO reports and said Cancers are one of the most important causes of deaths worldwide.
World Cancer Day was observed world wide on February 4. Health post Kheri--Raipur Rani of Community Medicine, School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh also celebrated this day to create awareness for cancers in the community and to screen for common cancers of oral cavity( mouth), breast and cervical cancer.
It was jointly organized with support of Civil Surgeon, Panchkula and Gram Panchayat Kheri, at Kheri village, Raipur Rani, Panchkula. Activities included organising poster competition of students of classes 6-8, from Kheri and Badona Kalan on 2-3 days before the camp, cancer awareness videos and lectures, and cancer screening.
The camp was attended by around 250 persons with Dr VK Bansal, Civil Surgeon Panchkula addressing the audience and motivating them to quit smoking and appealed the women to get themselves screened for breast cancer and cervical cancer.
Dr Arpit Gupta, Assistant Professor from Oral Heath Department of PGIMER Chandigarh highilighted various signs and symptoms of oral cancers. They emphasized the need of avoiding the common risk factors of cancer such as smoking, alcohol, spicy foods etc. and urged the villagers to adopt health life styles for a health life.
Over 110 villagers got themselves screened. Team led by Dr. Pankaj, Dental Surgeon Raipur Rani screened the population for oral cancers, Dr Rupa Jain, Gynaecologist Raipur Rani and staff nurses from GH, Panchkula screend women for cervical cancer; Dr. Divya & Dr. Shuchi, from Community Medicine of PGIMER Chandigarh showed health educational film of 10 minutes to the women and also examined and trained them in breast self examination to detect the breast lump.
Out of the total 50 women screened for breast and cervical cancers, five women were found to have suspected lesions who were referred to General Hospital, Panchkula for confirmatory tests.
latika Sharma, MlA, Kalka gave awards to the first, second and 3rd best adjudged poster. In addition consolation prizes in the form of medals were given to five students. All students were given a pen each for participation.