Media Release
Mangaluru, Nov 9: Canara Organization for Development and Peace® (CODP), here, and Caritas India, in collaboration with Sneha Okkoota Kinnigoly jointly observed 'National Cancer Day' on November 7 at the Community Hall in S Kodi near Kinnigoli.
The programme began by invoking God’s blessing through a prayer song led by the SHG members. Shilpa D'Souza, the coordinator of SPARSHA welcomed the gathering.
Fr Oswald Monteiro, the director of CODP addressed the gathering by giving information about Sparsha-campaign against cancer. He stated that the rising of cancer cases every year in the country is alarming. He also mentioned 7.8 lac cancer deaths have been reported due to cancer in 2019. Hence, there is need to create awareness regarding cancer.
Resource person, Vijay Kumar from NTCP department, Wenlock Hospital Mangaluru explained about cancer and its types. He focused on one of the main causes for cancer namely, tobacco and its negative impact on health.
Harina J Rao, a cancer survivor shared her testimony. The words from the cancer survivor describing their experience and challenges they have faced as they lived through cancer encouraged the participants not to lose hope in life as technologies and medical facilities have improved. One has to fight cancer through self-confidence.
Fr Vincent D'Souza, the designate director of CODP encouraged the SHG members to grow an organic kitchen garden and thereby lead a healthy life. Vegetable seeds were also distributed to the participants.
A short video on 'SPARSHA' campaign against cancer prepared by CODP was inaugurated and displayed to all who gathered for this programme. It will be circulated through social media.
Pushpaveni, animator of SPARSHA compered the programme. Meenakshi, member of SHG proposed the vote of thanks.