Media Release
Udupi, Feb 13: The Manipal College of Nursing (MCON) in association with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a two-day workshop on neck & oral cancer screening for Asha workers of Udupi taluk on February 4 and 5 to strengthen the knowledge and screening skills of Asha workers to encourage early detection and align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).
Around 100 ASHA workers from different areas of Udupi taluk actively participated. Sessions were led by experts from the medical and healthcare fields. Dr Vinish V, assistant professor-Sr Scale, MCON, with a session on "Overview of the Workshop and Techniques to Approach Screening," highlighted efficient methodologies for early detection. Madhavi, co-founder and COO of Excelon Circuit Pvt. Ltd. emphasised the impact of mobile technology on screening during her presentation on "M-Health Application in Screening of Oral and Neck Cancer."
Dr Yashaswini, district coordinator, Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust, Udupi, presented "Government Schemes and Programs for Head and Neck Cancer," highlighting the available financial assistance and healthcare initiatives.
Dr Ravindra Borkar, medical officer, PHC, Pernankila, presented "Approaches to Oral Cancer” highlighting the practical screening protocols followed in primary healthcare settings. Dr Umesh Velu, associate professor, Department of Radiotherapy Oncology, KMC, gave a presentation on "Screening of Oral Cancer, Potentially Malignant Diseases, and Lymph Node Enlargement," emphasising the early appearance of malignancy symptoms.
The workshop merged theoretical knowledge with practical training, which empowered Asha workers with critical skills to detect early warning signs of oral and neck cancer within their communities. This activity reinforces the function of frontline health workers in controlling head and neck cancer through early detection and prompt intervention.
The workshop organised by Dr Vinish V highlighted the importance of cooperation among healthcare institutions, government bodies, and technology innovators in facilitating cancer prevention and awareness. MCON continues to hold on to its promise of conducting similar programmes in the future, reaffirming its commitment to public health and community welfare.
About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an institution of eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specialisations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable academic track record, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant research contributions, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim nationally and internationally.
In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life and for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.