Mangaluru: The Infant Jesus Medical Mission, in association with A J Hospital and Research Centre, Mangaluru, conducted the “Free Cancer Screening, Awareness and Consultation” between 9.30 am and 12.30 pm here on Thursday, February 8.

The programme was held at the Infant Jesus Hall, Infant Jesus Shrine, Bikarnakatte, Mangaluru on account of the World Cancer Day which was on February 4.

The inauguration of the programme was kicked off with a small prayer, following which the guests on the dais partook in the traditional lighting of the lamp ceremony.

On the dais were Fr. Wilfred Rodrigues, Rector of Infant Jesus Shrine, Dr. Prashanth Marla, Medical Director, A J Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. Venkatramana Kini, Radiation Oncology, A J Hospital and Research Centre, A J Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. Kavitha Radiation Oncology, A J Hospital and Research Centre, A J Hospital and Research Centre, and Dr. Naveen Rodrigues, Consultant Pain and Palliative Care Medicine, A J Hospital and Research Centre.

Dr. Marla, in his address to the gathering spoke about how the perception of cancer has changed over the years. He also said that it was necessary to undergo regular health checkups in order to reach an early diagnosis and get treated as soon as possible adding that with treatment, it is possible for a majority of the people to lead a normal life. “Our hope is that one day there will be no cancer. We will work towards that goal,” he concluded.

Fr. Wilfred, said that awareness programmes should be conducted for the prevention of cancer. “Technology and medical science has come a long way. This will help in the eradication of the disease,” he said.

The event concluded with the National Anthem.

A free screening was conducted for head and neck cancer in the clinic next to the venue. The screening was conducted by Dr. Kini. An awareness talk about cancer was simultaneously by Dr. Kavitha in the Infant Jesus Hall. She spoke about the various types of cancer and the various methods used to screen for cancer. She also spoke about cancers that were specific to women and the methods of prevention.

The formal programme was compered by Lydwin D’Souza.

A J Hospital also conducts free health check ups at the Infant Jesus Hall every Thursday.

A J Cancer Institute also conducts free cancer screenings on the first Thursday of every month between 9 am and 12.30 pm. Please call 0824-6613635 to make an appointment.