World Cancer Day was observed at MIO on February 4th 2022 at Pumpwell campus of Mangalore Institute of Oncology. This year’s theme of World Cancer Day was “closing the care gap” and emphasis was on spreading knowledge on the preventive measures. Dr. Naveen Chandra Kulala, the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka Nodal Officer was the chief guest for the program. In his address Dr. Kulala emphasized the need for early detection and through the Ayushman Bharath scheme helping the poor people get quality treatment. He also praised the efforts of MIO in having treated people affected with cancer during the Covid pandemic. Dr Suresh Rao, the chief of Radiation Oncology expressed that people should be made aware of the ill effects of tobacco and alcohol habits; on the signs, symptoms and prevention of cancer. Dr. Rao also said that at MIO people of all regions and socioeconomic conditions get state of the art treatment and follow up care at an affordable price. Dr. Hemanth Kumar, Medical Oncologist said that people should abstain from tobacco and alcohol habits that cause cancer and worse have harmful consequences on the human health. Dr. Manjeshwar Shrinath Baliga, Senior Radiobiologist and Research incharge enlightened the audience on the importance of lifestyle and diet on cancer prevention of cancer. The most important aspect of the program was that 8 survivors who fought the disease and had undergone completion of successful treatment and were living a healthy life spoke on their experiences and the importance of resilience and support of the healthcare workers in the fight against cancer. Dr. Sanath Hegde, Dr. K.C Jalaluddin Akbar, Dr. Venkataraman Kini were also present at the program. The program was attended by around 200 people in accordance with the Covid norms and guidelines.
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