Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 4: An international research-based cancer awareness initiative was formally launched in Permannur, India on March 1, under the CAPTURE project- a collaborative effort between the University of Luxembourg, Europe, and two leading medical institutions in coastal Karnataka: Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Mangaluru, and Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Mangaluru.
CAPTURE (Cancer Awareness and screening Promotion Through Utilization of community Resources and their Empowerment) is a research-based community initiative aimed at strengthening cancer awareness and promoting early detection through structured, theory-based, and evidence-informed approaches.
Dr. Jyoshma D’Souza, an implementation scientist is a project lead of CAPTURE. She is a postdoctoral researcher in Nursing Sciences, affiliated with the department of health, medicine and life sciences at the University of Luxembourg, Europe. The project reflects academic support and an enabling research environment at the University of Luxembourg, which fosters internationally collaborative public health research.
The project represents an international academic collaboration between the University of Luxembourg and two Indian medical institutions - KMC Mangaluru and Father Muller Medical College Hospital - integrating scientific research with community-based healthcare implementation.
Dr Abhishek Krishna (KMC Mangaluru) and Dr Jyotsna Coelho (Father Muller Medical College Hospital) serve as co-principal Investigators of the CAPTURE project in India. Dr Abhishek is a radiation oncologist at KMC and is actively engaged in community-based screening initiatives. Dr Jyotsna is a consulting obstetrician and gynecologist at FMMCH, and conducts research in women’s health. Together, they provide clinical leadership and implementation support, strengthening the bridge between research, medical institutions, and grassroots communities.
The inaugural programme marking the beginning of CAPTURE commenced with a prayer song invoking God’s blessings by women from Stree Sangathan and was presided over by Fr Cyprian Pinto, parish priest of St Sebastian Church, Permannur, who took leadership as the implementing partner for CAPTURE’s first awareness camp. Among the dignitaries present were district health officer, Dakshina Kannada, Dr Thimmaiah; Amarinder Kaur, communications consultant representing the Indian Cancer Society (ICS); and Norin F Pinto, president of the Christian Minority Women’s Multipurpose Co-Operative Society Ltd.
Addressing the gathering, Dr D’Souza emphasized the broader vision of the initiative, stating, “Public health promotion is not one person’s job. It requires communities, institutions, and healthcare professionals to work together. It is a shared responsibility that calls for collective commitment.” She appreciated the efforts of parish volunteers who mobilized local resources in organizing the first awareness camp under CAPTURE and invited community organizations, NGOs, and local institutions to come forward and collaborate in expanding such theory-based, structured cancer awareness program across more communities, particularly to address inequities in preventive health access.
The presiding dignitary Fr Cyprian Pinto appreciated the CAPTURE team and encouraged women to participate in such awareness camps. District health officer Dr Thimmaiah highlighted the importance of initiatives like CAPTURE and underscored the need for community-level engagement in cancer prevention education. He noted that such structured awareness efforts complement ongoing public health strategies targeting non-communicable diseases.
The inaugural programme was followed by an interactive, structured awareness session conducted by Dr Jyoshma D’Souza and Dr Jyotsna Coelho. Approximately 150 women from diverse religion and cultural background attended the session, asked questions, and received clarifications. The Indian Cancer Society conducted screening for women who voluntarily opted to undergo breast, cervical, and oral cancer screening.
The successful completion of the first camp was made possible through the coordinated efforts of church organizations including Stree Sangathan, Health Ayog, and parish volunteers who organized and arranged the screening site. Their active involvement reflected a strong commitment to community-led health awareness.
Event supporters, including MCC Bank and other local contributors, extended financial and logistical support toward operational expenses, demonstrating the community’s willingness to partner in such community-driven cancer awareness initiatives. All supporters, volunteers who contributed to the successful conduct of the program were presented with certificates of appreciation.
Several women who attended the session shared positive feedback, stating that the program was informative, easy to understand, and different from routine awareness talks. Participants appreciated that the session went beyond general awareness and provided clear, practical understanding that was simplified and easy to remember.
Dr D’Souza clarified that CAPTURE is not a one-day event, but a long-term initiative designed to promote sustained community engagement and empowerment in cancer screening.
With the launch of CAPTURE in Permannur, an international research collaboration has taken root at the grassroots level - connecting Europe and India in a shared mission to strengthen cancer awareness and promote early detection through community partnership.