Silvester D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur

Kundapur, Sep 14: In response to the rising incidences of cancer, a comprehensive awareness and screening camp was held in Kundapura on Saturday, September 14.

The event, organised by multiple local organisations and healthcare providers, aimed to educate the public and offer early detection opportunities for cancer.

Dr Umesh Putran, managing director of Chinmaya Hospital, addressed the gathering and noted that each year, 1.5 million people in the country are diagnosed with cancer, with 1 million succumbing to the disease. "Raising awareness about cancer is crucial for effectively combating it," he said. "When everyone is informed about cancer, fighting the disease becomes more feasible," he added.

The camp was hosted at the Tallekere Church Hall, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club Kundapura South, Inner Wheel Club Kundapura South, Rotary Community Service Talur, Gangolli Primary Health Center, Catholic Sabha Tallur Unit, and Health Commission Tallur Church, in association with Julekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology Hospital.

Rtn Judith Mendonsa, president of Rotary Club Kundapura South, chaired the event and emphasised its preventive focus. "The camp was organised to enhance awareness and provide screening opportunities in our community," she said. "The organisers' efforts will be successful if the public engages with and benefits from these initiatives."

The camp was attended by several notable figures, including Rtn Dr Uttam Kumar Shetty, district vice-president of Cancer Awareness; Girish S Nayak, president of Tallur Grama Panchayat; Kelvin Mendonsa, vice-president of Tallur Church Management Committee; Dr Amita Acharya, medical officer of Gangolli Primary Health Centre; Rtn B Rajendra Shetty, assistant governor of Rotary Club Kundapura South; and a medical officer from Julekha Yenepoya Institute of Oncology Hospital.

Surekha Puranik welcomed attendees, moderated the programme, and extended her thanks.