Voice Trust organized a Cancer Screening and Health Panel Discussion at Lady Doak College in Madurai on March 6, 2024, with a focus on raising health awareness among students and staff. The panel discussion featured specialists and experts from various fields who provided insights into different aspects of health and wellness. The esteemed panelists included Dr. B. Kalpana, an expert in reproductive medicine and embryology from GURU Multispecialty Hospital Madurai, Dr. Hemalatha, a prominent gynecologist from Hema Medical Centre, and Ms. Suganya, a Senior Clinical Dietitian representing Apollo Hospitals Madurai. Their expertise enriched the discussion, covering diverse topics related to health maintenance. Additionally, GURU Multispecialty Hospital conducted a Cancer Screening Camp, deploying a Mobile Cancer Screening Bus to offer essential tests such as Mammogram, Pap smear, Ultrasound, Echo, and specialist consultations. Furthermore, the initiative included Menstrual Health Management sessions, reflecting Voice Trust’s dedication to promoting community health and well being.
Cancer and Eye Screening Program
On January 29th, 2024, Nagarathinam Angalammal Arts & Science College, Madurai welcomed a pivotal initiative aimed at prioritizing student health: the Cancer and Eye Screening Program, organized by Voice Trust in collaboration with Guru Hospital and MaxiVision Eye Hospital Madurai. This transformative event provided students with vital screenings for cancer detection and eye health assessments, emphasizing the significance of early intervention and preventive care. By leveraging expertise and resources from esteemed healthcare institutions, the program underscored the importance of proactive health management, empowering students to safeguard their well-being and embrace a future of optimal health and vitality.
Mega Mammogram Camp
In an effort to create awareness about breast cancer, a free mammography camp was organised for women above the age of 40 years. The 2 day (17th & 18th Dec 2022) Mega Mammogram camp was organised in collaboration with Jain Vidyalaya for the benefit of the employees of Jain Vidyalaya. A bus equipped with latest testing techniques and a team of doctors and nurses was stationed at the School campus for the same. While inaugurating the camp, Mrs SuriyaPrabha Rajasekaran, Inner Wheel District Chairman, District 321 said awareness and timely diagnosis could help in treating and overcoming the challenges of breast cancer. She emphasised the need to spread awareness on issues concerning women’s health. Guest of Honour, Dr S.G.Balamurugan M.S.,M.Ch.,M.A.,F.R.C.S.,Ph.D., Managing Director, Guru Hospital Madurai said mammography van could help women of remote areas and underprivileged sections of the society to get their disease detected and treated in time. Through this camp 75 women were benefitted for free scanning of Breast Cancer (Mammograghy), ECG, Echo and Cervical cancer test by a team of doctors from Guru Hospital headed by Dr.B.Kalpana M.D., (O.G) F.N.B
Internship Program
Voice Trust in association with Lady Doak College, Madurai organized the Internship program for LDC Third year BA Psychology students at Madurai Government Hospital on the 16th Nov 2022. The study was on the psycho social well-being of Caregivers of Cancer patients. The program was supported by oncology Dept Head of Department Dr. Rajasekar
Mobile Cancer Screening
“The launch ‘Mammobus,’ a mobile cancer screening unit, is a pioneering effort ensuring equality of access, much similar to the State government’s efforts to reach the lowest strata of the society through ‘Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam’ initiative’. The first Mammobus in Madurai, was donated by Rotary International District 3,000 through Madurai Rotary Ladies Forum to S.G. Balamurugan, chairman of Guru Hospital. Voice Trust joined hands with Guru Hospital to create awareness of cancer among the public, especially among the rural folk. Dr. Balamurugan said that early diagnosis is very crucial to treat any type of cancer. “People from the rural areas will have easy and free of cost access to screen for many types of cancer”. The unit comprises high-end equipment, including mammogram, pap smear to diagnose breast cancer and cervical cancer respectively, ultrasound scan to detect other cancers. The unit is also equipped with a large LED display which would be used to create on-the-go awareness.
Free Food Aid For Cancer Patients
On 03rd July 2022, free meals were provided to Cancer patients. This program was in association with Spread Smiles organisation & Guru Hospital. Nutrition play a vital role for all of us and that is especially true when going through cancer treatment. Providing food makes it easier for the patients, helps them be strong during treatment and has a big impact. It helps patients cope better with cancer, it gives them something they need at a specific time, and also it is good for the patient to feel that somebody cares about them and it brings their morale up.
World Cancer Day-2022
Voice Trust guided by its motto “Better Health – Better Society” has been implementing health programs in the slums and villages of Madurai District since inception. Over the years, Voice Trust Madurai have been invited to various places and organizations to give cancer awareness .We have been pre-eminent in spreading the message about Cancer through a wide variety of grass root activities aimed at raising awareness amongst all levels of society as to the risks and consequences associated with a lack of cancer awareness.
On the 4th of Feb 2022, World Cancer Day was observed by Voice Trust in association with Suji Health Care and SBM Trust, Kariyapatti in Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Posters related to Cancer were released by the Dean of Madurai Medical College, Dr A. Rathinavel in the presence of Voice Trust Director Mr T Murugesan, SBM Trust Director Mr Alagarsamy. The theme of World Cancer Day 2022 is ‘Close the Care Gap’. It is all about understanding and recognising the inequities in cancer care around the globe. The theme revolves around identifying and recognising global disparities in cancer care, that prevents people from certain economic strata full access to essential healthcare services and facilities. Inequity in cancer care costs lives.
Leading an active life, combined with healthy food habits is essential to good health.
In India, the incidence of cancer is increasing rapidly; therefore it is important to step up cancer literacy and knowledge amongst the population.
We hope that this will lead to early detection which is important in the management and treatment of cancer and also prevention by making necessary changes in lifestyle.
Breast Cancer is rapidly rising amongst women in urban areas and it is the most common cancer in India. Early detection is essential in its management and treatment. Due to ignorance, fear, and social stigma many women present with stage III or IV cancer which requires surgery and extensive treatment. If detected early, then in most cases there will be less aggressive treatment and better chances of recovery.
Cervical Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. It is the only preventable cancer and it can be detected in the pre – cancerous phase and cured.
Oral and Lung cancers are highest among men and women in the urban as well as rural population and these can also be prevented to a large extent. Therefore, making people aware of the dangers of chewing tobacco and smoking is of great importance.
Key facts
- Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries.
- Around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol use, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity.
- Cancer-causing infections, such as hepatitis and human papillomavirus (HPV), are responsible for approximately 30% of cancer cases in low- and lower-middle-income countries (3).
- Late-stage presentation and lack of access to diagnosis and treatment are common, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Comprehensive treatment is reportedly available in more than 90% of high-income countries but less than 15% of low-income countries (4).
- The economic impact of cancer is significant and increasing. The total annual economic cost of cancer in 2010 was estimated at US$ 1.16 trillion (5).
National Cancer Awareness Day
National Cancer Awareness Day was observed on 7th November by Voice Trust in association with Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Suji Healthcare Pvt Ltd to generate early detection and creating awareness about cancer In India, the incidence of cancer is increasing rapidly; therefore it is important to step up cancer literacy and knowledge amongst the population It is true, that when detected at the last stage, there is a slim chance of cure, but this can be solved by raising awareness about the same so that it helps people detect the
symptoms and be prepared in advance.
CANCER AWARENESS PROGRAMMES AT VARIOUS PLACES BY VOICE TRUST
| S.NO | VENUE |
|---|---|
| 1 | Madura College, Madurai. |
| 2 | Vickram Polytechnic College, Madurai. |
| 3 | Annamalaiyar Mat.Hr.Sec.School, Madurai. |
| 4 | Madras Cement Factory,Virudhunagar. |
| 5 | Nala Dental Hospital, Madurai for TNSTC Members. |
| 6 | Bhima Jewellery, Madurai. |
| 7 | RL Institute of Nautical Sciences, Madurai. |
| 8 | State bank of India, Regional Office, Madurai. |
| 9 | Govt.Blind School,K.K.Nagar,Madurai. |
| 10 | MMHRC Conference Hall, Madurai. |
| 11 | Mahatma School, Madurai. |
World Cancer Day-2022
On the 4th of Feb 2022, World Cancer Day was observed by Voice Trust in association with Suji Health Care and SBM Trust, Kariyapatti in Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. Posters related to Cancer were released by the Dean of Madurai Medical College, Dr A. Rathinavel in the presence of Voice Trust Director Mr T Murugesan, SBM Trust Director Mr Alagarsamy. The theme of World Cancer Day 2022 is ‘Close the Care Gap’. It is all about understanding and recognising the inequities in cancer care around the globe. The theme revolves around identifying and recognising global disparities in cancer care, that prevents people from certain economic strata full access to essential healthcare services and facilities. Inequity in cancer care costs lives.
