Activities / Cancer Awareness

Over a million people, in India, are being diagnosed with cancer every year, and this number is rising.

With advances made in the medical field, many types of cancer can now be treated if the cancer is detected in the early stage.

Unfortunately, about 70% of cancer patients in India, consult a doctor at a stage when chances of recovery are poor.

Awareness about cancer motivates a person to lead a healthy lifestyle and seek early medical attention if needed..

We conduct

  • Anti-Tobacco Awareness workshops in schools and colleges.
  • Tobacco cessation counselling to people desirous of quitting the habit. 
  • Door-to-door campaigns to sensitize people about Cancer.
  • Events – Anti-Tobacco Rallies, Walkathons, Skits and flash mobs.
  • Videos on Cancer Awareness on social media and mass media.

Objectives

  • Educate people about modifiable and non-modifiable risks and the action that can be taken to help reduce occurence of cancer.
  • One-third of cancer instances can be prevented by maintaining a healthy diet, healthy weight, regular physical activity.
  • Teach simple Breast Self examination techniques, as well as Oral Self examination process.
  • Dispel myths, fears, half-truths about cancer. Assure that Cancer is not a curse.

Calendar of Special Days, Weeks & Months

January

Cervical Cancer Awareness month

February

National Cancer Prevention Month (USA)

4th Feb

World Cancer Day

15th Feb

International Childhood Cancer Day

March

Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

4th Mar

International HPV Awareness Day

26th Mar

Purple Day (linked to brain cancer awareness in some communities)

April

Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month

April

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month

April

Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

May

Brain Tumour Awareness Month

May

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May

Bladder Cancer Awareness Month

8th May

World Ovarian Cancer Day

10th May

World Lupus Day (related, not cancer)

12th May

Chronic Immunological & Neurological Disease Awareness Day

June

Cancer Survivors Month (USA)

1st Sunday, June

National Cancer Survivors Day

June

National Men’s Health Month (includes prostate & testicular cancer)

27th July

World Head and Neck Cancer Day

September

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

September

Blood Cancer Awareness Month

September

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

1st to 7th Sept

Prostate Cancer Awareness Week

22nd Sept

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Day

26th Sept

Mesothelioma Awareness Day

October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

13th October

Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

3rd Friday, October

National Mammography Day (USA)

November

Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

November

Stomach Cancer Awareness Month

November

Carcinoid/Neuroendocrine Tumor Awareness Month

7th Nov

World Cancer Awareness Day

3rd Thursday, Nov

World Pancreatic Cancer Day

Message to youth
STOP BEFORE YOU START!

80% of oral cancer cases is directly attributable to tobacco use

Cigarettes, beedis, hookah, AND khaini, zarda, gutka are all addictive

Cigarettes contain 50 cancer causing chemicals

Currently, we operate in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Kalaburagi and Dharwad. We have also conducted a good number of online awareness sessions for participants across the country.
If you would like to participate in a session or would like to have us conduct a session in your School/College/Institution/Community/Office, do contact us with details about the intended audience and possible dates.

Jannet Maria Jibu is an MSW graduate in Clinical and Community Practice from Christ University, Bangalore, with a background in Psychology from Delhi University.

Jannet interned at leading hospitals and NGOs, working across mental health, disability support, and women’s rights.

Her passion lies in community upliftment and inclusive care. Jannet brings empathy, initiative, and leadership to every project she takes up.

 

Dr. Pavithra is an Ayurveda physician holding a BAMS degree from Ramakrishna Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore. She also has an additional certification, a PG Diploma in clinical research.

With a strong foundation in Ayurvedic medicine and clinical research, Dr. Pavithra brings a unique blend of traditional and evidence-based approaches to healthcare.

Dr. Pavithra specializes in providing adjuvant care, supportive, palliative, end-of-life care, and post-cancer survivorship, contributing to holistic cancer care through Ayurveda.

Dr. Pavan Kumar. H (BDS) graduated in 2024, worked as a consultant Dentist in Ballari, Karnataka, and worked as an Associate Dentist at Swaraj Dental Clinic in Bangalore. He is presently working as a project consultant for TCC at ICS Bangalore.

 

Dr. Pavan believes in working as a team to reach greater heights. He believes in the core values of positive attitude, optimism and self-respect. He is interested in reading digital medical journals and spending time by researching innovations in digital dentistry.

Dr. Swathi D Acharya, holds a BAMS degree and currently serves as Programme Coordinator at Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore.

With over 5 years of experience in the medical field, her career included roles such as Medical Officer at Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Bangalore, Duty Medical Officer at Pragathi Multi-speciality Hospital Mangalore and RBSK Medical Officer at NRHM Mangalore. Dr. Swathi enjoys drawing and reading books, which complement her passion for holistic well-being. 

I am a native of Kalaburagi, with an MSW completed in 2022 and an HRM in 2024. Post graduation, I gained valuable experience working with an NGO dedicated to orphan rehabilitation and have explored various other sectors. 

Driven by a passion for public service, I found the ideal platform at ICS, where I joined as a Medical Social Worker in May 2024 to contribute to public health. In my free time, I enjoy reading magazines, newspapers, and listening to music for relaxation.

Shrinidhi N. Naikal is an alumnus of Nutan Vidyalaya Commerce College, Kalaburagi. He has served as a Senior Coordinator in the magazine section of Ramoji Film City, and was the Regional Coordinator at Blue Star India Ltd., Hyderabad. Shrinidhi has volunteered at ICS from 2007 uptil June 2023. From June 2023, Shrinidhi has taken the role of the Regional Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi.

Dr. Ashwini from Kalaburgi graduated with a BAMS degree in 2023. She then interned at the HCG Cancer Hospital, Bangalore and gaining valuable experience in Radiation Oncology. She has participated in multiple medical camps with ICS with focus on community health and cancer awareness. Dr. Ashwini is a Project Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi since August 2024 and is committed to promote cancer prevention. Dr. Ashwini is a passionate singer and a state level Yoga player.

Dr. Guru Suhas. P has an undergraduate degree in Dental Sciences from Oxford College of Dental Sciences Bangalore and followed it up with a Masters in Public Health Dentistry from Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences. He then worked as faculty in Maruthi Dental College. He joined the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a Project scientist for little over two years. He has now found his passion in Indian Cancer Society and wants to help spread awareness about cancer.