It is not the fear of the disease, it is the fear of delay-Padmabhushan Prof. V.

ShantaRamonMagSaSayAwardee CANCER IS PREVENTABLE: EDUCATE THEM & EC, Center of Excellence Cancer Institute Adyar.

Prof. Manoj Sharma

Apartments
MD.FICR,MNAMS

502, Kanchanjungha
KOWSHAMBI, GHAZIABAD- 201010

Oncologist, Radiotherapist and Cancer Educator Advisor, Cancer Control Programme, Govt. of Delhi

National Capital Region

Phone: (R) 0120-2773196 /2771986

E-mail: drmanojsharma@gmail.com

Professor of Radiotherapy Maulana Azad Medical College New Delhi-110002

Mobile: 9811641884
Dated February 5th 2011

Dear Crusader Oncologists of India and Abroad

As you shall appreciate that Gynecological Cancers, cervical, ovarian and endometrial being the prominent ones as per the epidemiologic preferences are the ones that have been neglected a lot. We have International Days of observance for Breast Cancer, Tobacco and related ailments as WHO NO tobacco day , International cancer awareness Days, Pediatric cancer awareness Days but the there has been no Gynecological Cancer Awareness Day. This is the seventh year that the National Day of Gynecological Cancers is being observed by the likeminded Oncologists of India . Their responses have been ,overwhelming as there are enough of evidences for the acceptance for this date and activity and necessity of such a programme. India having the largest population of Gynec cancers in the world, this becomes significance. Friends , This campaign started 10years years back exactly on the similar line as they were started for , what is now known as Breast Cancer Awareness Day( two women in USA- single handedly) and International Cancer Awareness Day( Few People in Erstwhile Czechoslovakia) The need of the National Day of Gynec Cancer was actually much more than any other cancer awareness day as the number of women affected by cancers are in exceeding numbers of Five hundred thousand per annum in India alone .As we all know that interestingly most of these cancers are preventable and curable in early stages. Great honor and pride was brought to the community of Gynec Oncologists when Mag Say Say Award was conferred on the First Lady Doctor from India and probably the first cancer specialist by The Mag Say Say Award Committee. Later His Excellency The President of India Dr. Abdul Kalaam also conferred the Award of the Highest Indian Order, Padma Bhushan on her. Yes I am talking About Prof V. Shanta , Executive Chairperson of the Centre of Excellence at Adyar, Chennai ,India. . Interestingly the truth is that the recognition of this day and observance of this activity has come to stay in all its vehemence by few thousands of Oncologists of India and neighboring Nepal, Bangla Desh, Pakistaan and Sri Lanka !!The crusade keeps going as these types of campaigns are the only core of cancer cure in resource crunched developing and underdeveloped countries.

11th March The Day designated for International Day of Gynecological Cancers is approaching fast and most of the oncologists and people connected with cancer problems have started responding to the mails with their tentative programmes on this day. Ironically International Womens Week coincides with International Gynec Cancer Day and on such occasions it has been seen that there are no themes/ programmes that may give protection from the cancers that are found in females, Gynec cancers being most prominent of them cancers that afflicts them at least at 13 sites, just because they are women! The significance of our cancer campaign for cancers in females should not be lost and hence I most humbly request you to kindly activate yourself to go public for awareness on this date for Gynec Cancer Awareness .That shall become the part of Campaign for International Womens week as we observe it on 11th of March . At the international level oncologists are expected to proceeding to book in advance with Radio, FM , Television channels and newspapers for the awareness programs and write ups of their respective countries . Lecturing in the Womens` Associations, Adolescent School Females etc. in order to communicate the Breast Self Examination and SEPP(Self Examination of Private Parts) Self Lymph Nodal awareness programmes etc. shall also be included in this years campaign! This request is sent much in advance so that necessary orders from your worthy Offices can be given for preparing the programmes and material in you country. Printing of Self Examination pamphlet for their timely distribution. As such all the gynec and cancer OPDs need these pictorial instructional educational material on Self Examination of Private Parts and Self Breast Examination and the recent addition of Self Lymph Nodal Awareness. With best regards and hope for a full fledge activity related to the prevention of gynec cancers, Sincerely yours,

Prof. Manoj Sharma Professor of Radiotherapy and Advisor, Cancer Control Programme Govt. of NCT of Delhi Enclosure: Profile of Prof. V.Shanta Back Ground Comment for observance of International Gynec Cancer Awareness Day

P R O F I L E of Prof. V. Shanta
Dr.V.Shanta was born in a distinguished scientific family of India in Chennai. Her immediate grand uncle and uncle were both Noble Laureates. She graduated (M.B.B.S.) in 1949, D.G.O. in 1952 and M.D, in Obstetrics & Gynecology in 1955. In April 1955, she joined the fledgling Cancer Institute, established in 1954 by the Womens Indian Association Cancer Relief Fund, as its Resident Medical Officer in preference to the Asst. Surgeons Post in the Women & Childrens Hospital, Madras, to which she had been selected by the Madras Public Service Commission. Dr.V.Shanta is at present Chairman & Executive Chairman of the Cancer Institute (WIA) Chennai. Her entire medical life over 50 years has been dedicated to the mission of organising care of Cancer patients, the study of the disease, its prevention and control, the generation of specialists and scientists in different aspects of Oncologic Sciences. She has played an important role along with Dr. Krishnamurthi in the development of the Cancer Institute (WIA) from a cottage hospital of 12 beds to a major comprehensive Cancer Centre of national and international stature. She has played a pioneering role in all the achievements of the Institute. The very concept of oncology and multi disciplinary approach to cancer care was pioneered and introduced by the Cancer Institute when none existed. She was responsible for the recognition and practice of Medical Oncology as a specialty and the creation of a separate medical oncology division at the Cancer Institute (WIA), the first one of its kind in the country. It took years of persuasion to get the Medical Council of India to accept Oncology as a specialty. The first super specialty course in surgical and medical oncology in India was introduced at the Institute in 1984. Another landmark achievement was the establishment of the first ever Cancer Control Programme in India at Kanchipuram with support from NORAD & WHO in 1969. Dr. Shanta was designated Principle Responsible Officer of the project by WHO. She was on WHO Advisory Committee on Cancer till March 2005. She was also Convener of the State Advisory Board on Cancer. She has been Chairman of the INDO-US Collaborative Group on Lymphoid Neoplasias (Indian Chapter), member of many ICMR Committees, member of the ICMR Task Force on Registries and member of the Syndicate of the Anna University. She was President of the Indian Society of Oncology (88-90), President of the Asian & Pacific Federation of Organisations for cancer control (97-99) and President of the 15th Asian & Pacific Cancer Conference (1999). She has participated in a number of Scientific International Collaborative Programmes.

-2-

Apart from 32 awards from public and official organisations for her contribution to the advances in management and control of Cancer, she was the recipient of the national award Padma Shri in 1986. She was elected Hon. Member of the International Association of Cancer Registry (IARC) in 1997 for her contribution to development of registries in India. She was conferred the D.Sc (honoris causa) of the Shri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh for her outstanding contribution in the field of medicine in 1998 and D.Sc (honoris causa) of the Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR University for the year 2002. She is also recipient of the award instituted by the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research, Brussels, of the Nazli-Gad-El-Mawla Award for outstanding contribution to cancer control by an individual from a resource poor country in 2002. She is the recipient of the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service 2005 and Padma Bhushan in 2006. She has published over 95 papers in national and international journals, contributed chapters in Oncology books, delivered many prestigious orations and participated in many international and national conferences.

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL AWARDS: 1986 2006 1997 1998 2002 2002 2005 : : : : : :

PADMA SHRI PADMA BHUSHAN IARC Award Work for Development of Registries in India D.Sc. Shri Venkateswara University Contribution in the field of Medicine D.Sc Tamil Nadu Dr.M.G.R.Medical University INCTR Award Cancer Control in a resource poor country Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service

-3ACADEMIC & AWARDS: 1973 1982 1984 1984 1987 1987 1987 1988 1991 1991 1993 1993 1993 1995 1995 1995 1997 1998 2000 Raja Ravi Sher Singh of Kalsia Memorial Award of the ICMR for original work on Cancer. Ambo - Dr.Pasupati Nath Wahi Cancer Award for contribution to the Cancer Control Programme in India. The First Sir Dorab Tata Oration Award. The Dr.Suboth Mitra Oration Award. Dr.A.Ramdass Memorial Oration. Shantabai Satwalkam Memorial Oration. Dr.N.Subhadra Devi Memorial Endowment Lecture Instituted by Indian Medical Association. Dr.Kamal Vurnar Memorial Oration Instituted by the Independent Medical Practioners Association of India. Smt.Vimala Shah Award of Banaras Hindu University for outstanding work in Cancer. Dr.Jones Memorial Oration (Women Doctors Association of Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry) Oration of the Obstetrics & Gynaecological Society of Southern India. Dr.Narendran Memorial Oration (Association of Surgeons of India, Karnataka Chapter) Metlepalam Penumatchavari Endowment of the Andhra University Cancer an Overview. Shrien Mehtaji Oration (Indian Academy of Cytologists) K.L.Gupta Memorial Oration (Association of the Clinical Bio-chemists of India at Bangalore) Manorama Sapru Oration (Hematology & Blood Transfusion Association of India) Elected Hon. Member International Association of Cancer Registries (IARC) Hon. Doctor of Sciences of the Shri Venkateswara University, Tripati, Andhra Pradesh. Science City Millenium Lifetime Achievement Awards for Women Scientists: 2000

2002 D.Sc (honoris causa) of the Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR University, Tamil Nadu 2002 Nazli-Gad-El-Mawla Award of the International Network for Cancer Treatment and Research Outstanding Contribution to Cancer Control in a country with limited resource

2005
2005 2006

Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service 2005

22nd Convocation Address Bharatidasan University, Tiruchirapalli 41st Annual Convocation Address-Bangalore University, Karnataka

2005 Harish Chandra Bajoria Memorial Oration Rajiv Gandhi Institute and Research Centre, Delhi

2006
2006

5 Decades of Cancer Care 1955-2005 XIVth Stree Chithirai Tirunal Memorial Lecture

5 Decades of Cancer Control- Kothari Memorial Oration- Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Jaipur 2006 Evolution of Therapeutic Oncology-1955-2005-Dr.ENB Sharma Memorial Lecture, Dept. of Surgery, Andhra Medical College, Visakapatnam 2006 5 Decades of Medical Oncology 1955-2005-Dr.T.B.Patel Oration, Ahmedabad
2006
2006

Containing Cancer-5 Decades at the Cancer Institute (WIA) Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences-Dr.(Mrs.) Kanta Foundation Day Lecture 2006

Evolution of Oncology as a Super Speciality Dr.K.R.R. Mohan Rao Endowment Lecture-NTR Health Science University, Andhra Pradesh
KVT Endowment Lecture at Government General Hospital, Chennai Evolution of Presentation at the International Advisory Panel on National Rural Health Mission organized by Government of India, New Delhi Diagnosis and Treatment of Cancer in a Rural SettingTherapeutic Oncology : 1955 -2007 Guest Lecture at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre, New Delhi - Ovarian Cancer Mrs.Durgabai Deshmukh Memorial Oration, Andhra Mahila Sabha, Chennai Cancer in Women Dr.Lalitha Kameswaran Felicitation Committee Endowment Oration, Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai Female Breast Cancer Presentation at International Health Care Leadership Summit, Madras Medical Mission, Chennai Five Decades of Cancer Care at Cancer Institute (WIA), Chennai : A Public Voluntary Charitable Institution Women Achievers Award Modern Medicare

2007 2007

2007 2007 2007 2007

2007

OTHERS: 1983 1984 For the sake of Honour Award Rotary Club of Salem Rajyalakshmi Venkanna Chowdary Award for Public Service.

1985 The Title Shastra Vaidhya Shastra Vibooshani Award Lioness District Assembly 1987 Madras Telugu Academy Ugadi Telugu Award
1987 1997 1998 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 2004 2004 2004 2004 For the sake of Honour Award Rotary Club of Madras Louis Marchesi Fellow of the Round Table Foundation Shree Ratna Award International Womens Day - 8.3.98 Sadguru Gnanananda Award Guild of Service (Central-Award in recognition of contribution in the field of medicine With Compassion not for Consideration Award-Lions Club International Cosmo Award-For eminent and distinguished citizen of the country Kamaraj Centenary Award for contribution to Cancer Distinguished Citizen Award by Hamsadhwani (18.8.2004) Late Sri Muthusamy Naidu Memorial Award-Coimbatore (22.8.2004) Rotary Vocational Excellence award for the Centennial Year Vocational Excellence Award- Selfless & outstanding contribution to society in combating cancer Rotary Club of Perungudi

2005 2005 2005 2006 2008 2008 2010 2010 2010 2010

Bahai Rose of Ridven Community Service Award Bharathi Award by Vanavil Cultural Centre Champion of Humanity Award by Hindustan Chamber of Commerce Baroda Sun Award Bank of Baroda, Mumbai Life Time Achievement Award-Lions Club of Madras, Teynampet Makkal Award for Best Doctor - Makkal TV Life Time Achievement Award, Madras Medical College (28.2.10) Life Time Achievement Award, Madras University (8.3.10) Arivukkalanjiam Woman Award 2010 (8.3.10) Life Time Achievement Award Medicine (Mega TV-8.3.10)

International Day of Gynecological Cancers 2011

The Back Ground Comment

Why We Need A National Day of Gynecological Cancers

The International Day of Gynecological cancers has been designated on the birth day of the great Indian Oncologist, Cancer Specialist Dr. V. Shanta of Chennai. It was launched successfully from the year 2003 all over the country through various DD, AIR and other satellite channel programmes . Prof. V. Shanta is the first Gynec Oncologist to get the Ramon Mag Say Say award for her over fifty years of the dedication and contribution for the cause of cancer disease in India specially female cancers ..Ramon Mag Say Say award is equated as the Nobel Prize of Asia.

-2Following this unique distinction ,His Excellency the then President of India Dr. Abdul Kalam has decorated her with Padmabhushan. Dr. V. Shanta has created the first post doctoral courses in surgical and medical oncological sciences in India along with state of art post graduation and Ph.D. courses in Radiation oncology, Medical Physics and Biological Sciences. This Vision was with the view to create a qualified man power to face the future need of oncological management in Indian hospitals. This culminated in commencement of many such courses in other cancer research institutes. This has become relevant today with situations leading to shut down of radiation therapy departments due to shortage of medical physicists and posts of medical and surgical oncologists not being created in medical colleges for want of DM, M.Ch. qualified personnel as faculty. Dr. V. Shantas contribution towards female malignancies has been singularly the most significant one where for the first time in mid 1960s she has introduce combined modality treatment for breast cancers, breast conservation and prevention of these diseases through an intense follow-up based expertise system. A system that brings people and cancer patients out of their houses to have regular check up in cancer hospital for prevention purposes. This also teaches the learner of oncology as to how to create the realistic database of modern western treatment techniques on biologically, socio-economically different sons of the soil of India. This is why the first Metropolitan Tumor Registry and the first Hereditary or Familial Cancer Registry was established in Madras under her guidance. It was the Adyar Alert that came more than a decade before the NCI Alert for the chemo-radiation of cancer cervix and other head and neck cancers seen in tobacco user Indian females too. Indeed the List of Firsts is endless. Today the renowned oncologist fanned all over the country and in metropolitan towns are products and trainees of Cancer Institute Chennai. The edifice created by Prof. V. Shanta and her mentor Prof. S. Krishnamurthy. According to one estimate, every year more than five lac Indian women die of gynecological malignancies and breast cancers. More over these cancers are the one that are not only curable but are also preventable. When the cancer afflicts or affects an Indian women it not only affects a body of an Indian citizen but it affects the whole family because Indian women is a mother, is a wife, is an earning member daughter, or in many cases the chief of the joint family system. Hence the affected areas are : 1Upbringing of a child, the future generation of India 2The harmony in the family, the husband that is the bread earner of the family. 3The Income of the family that is utilized to run the family and is brought by the earning female member. 4The whole Home Ministry as one may call. The commonest female cancers that are seen in the large numbers in rural and urban populations are 1Cancer of the uterine cervix still unstoppable in most of the states of India 2Cancer of Breast: Both in rural and urban populations showing steady rise

3Cancer of ovary- a new challenge due to its sheer late stage increasing numbers in our OPDs.. 4Endometrial Carcinoma a challenge to urbanization similar to that of Breast cancers 5Cancer of gall bladder. 6Cancer of Vulva and vagina a contribution of promiscuity or vagaries of old age. 7Cancer of throat and esophagus/ food pipe- a long standing story of the plight of Indian female with anemia and tobacco usage. 8The Chorio Carcinoma: the Grape Pregnancy Cancer that has raised its head in sheer numbers. The Truth about majorities of these cancers is, that most of these are 1Preventable in first place. 2If they have happened due to unavoidable reasons, they can be detected in very early stages. 3There are investigation methods and public awareness methods available that can detect these cancers in very early stages. 4When detected in early stages can be cured easily. The Sad thing about these cancers are that they become killer disease if there is delay in their detection simply because of 1Lack of awareness or lack of concern of the society. 2Lack of attitude and interest of the family members. Domestic violence with a different face! 3Neglect on the parts of relatives . 4Unavailability of investigation facilities. 5Unaffordability of early detection cancers .Cancer still not included in National Rural Health Mission as is expected by the oncologist community. 6Unavailability of cancer treatment centers and expertise. Insensitive corporate sector and pharma industry with all its extravaganza. 7Mishandling of the cases by inexperienced, untrained medical personnel. The very proof of exploding population of cancer patients that succumbs to mushroomed self proclaimed oncologists and oncological centers. 8The Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology struggling with baby booms of the sorts and comprehensive gynec oncology getting neglected. Most of the departments striving hard for IVF centers but almost non have Gynec Oncology Division. Unfortunately all these circumstances exist in majority of areas of our country due to poor literacy levels and lack of development in the rural and semi urban areas, villages and small towns.

The only hope to stop this female genocide directly by cancer and indirectly by the indifferent societal customs is through the awareness methods.
The deaths due to cancer are in exceeding or equal numbers to that of female feticide hence female cancer deaths are also the main contributor of changing male female ratio in our society a fact not recognized so far and left unattended by many policy makers.

The Organ Conservation and the Self Respect of Female:

The most hurting thing about the female cancers is that the modesty of the female is directly affected by these cancers. Either in form of the removal of her body parts that are dear to them or the organs that serve an important function for continuation of human life on this earth. The function of reproduction and nutrition feeding to the new borne. With the development of modern methods of treatment and the equipments both these organs can be saved although with little sacrifice of their functions. The Secret is that if these disease are detected in very early stages even the natural physiological functions can also be preserved. The Secret is that with early detection of these cancers quick and inexpensive cure can be provided to the female populations. The Role of various treatment methods that include LEEP LETZ, Teleradiation therapy Brachytherapy , chemotherapy, chemosensitization therapy , surgery hormonal therapy needs to be importantly popularized among the public and practitioners so that the lurking unfounded fears can be removed and the patients eases himself to come forward for the treatment . Hesitation from these methods has been the main cause of late stage presentation and succumbing to quacks and Babas.. By celebration and observance of this National Day of Gynecological Cancers all over the world through channels of Television and Radio also the other famous satellite channels ,we shall be able to create an awareness in the general public towards these preventable and curable cancers. Write up in news papers and magazines in vernacular shall utilize the space for a useful purpose that otherwise could have gone for non productive purposes like Hollywood, Cricket, crime, stock market or politics. All the esteemed oncologists and those some way connected with cancer care should come out openly to educate people by their own methods , that they think are effective to teach the masses about the early detection and prevention of Gynecological cancers. Enclosed herewith are some of the guidelines on going about the awareness campaign. Your innovative ideas shall certainly add a new glamour to the campaign Drafted and Constituted by Dr. Manoj Sharma Professor of Radiation Oncology Maulana Azad medical College and Advisor, Cancer Control Programme Govt. of NCT of Delhi

The Oncologists Agenda: Safety From Cancer For Rural and Urban Women
More representation to early detection of Gynec Cancers in National Rural Health Mission. aPap smear for all married and child bearing age women. bVIA/ VILI( Visual inspection with acetic acid/Lugols Iodine) facility and expertise at primary Health Centre Level. cColposcopy and Mammography facility in all district level hospitals.Governmental or NGO promoted dEducative literature/ CDs to be made available in district level hospitals and cable operators on Breast Self Examination, Self Examination of Private Parts, Self Oral Examination Self Nodal Area Examination( For HIV/TB/ Lymphoma Early detection)for females as well as for males. e- Education of personal hygiene for males and females. fNutritional Assessment of Indian female child or child bearing age women. gAnnual Health Checkup of Senior Citizen Indian Female. h- Health Insurance for the female child at her birth itself.
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Compulsory Inclusion of Health Education that should include preventive cancer education and sex education in the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan.
2-

Reminders for Declaring Cancer as a Notifiable Disease and data collection from Pathology, Imaging, Biochemical labs on cancer and setting of Demographic registries in each districts at it best. This can be possible by arranging CMEs by the members of oncological societies such as AROI, IASO, ISO, AMOI, ISMPO, IBS,AGOI,IRIA IMA etc.
3-

National Cancer Calendar

S.N. Date The Day th 1 4 February WHO World Cancer Awareness Day Month of February: A Concerted Effort by all the Oncologists for the reminder for Tobacco Taxation to Finance Minister for Union Budget of the Year. 2 2nd Saturday of February Cancer Survivors Day Yellow Ribbon Day 3 15th February World Pediatric Cancer Day 4 March 11th Awareness day for Gynecological Cancers th 5 April 8 World Health Day To talk about increasing incidence of cancers and impact on health of the world due to increasing cancers th 6 30 April National Cancer Treatment Quality Control Day, The reminder of publication of a Reminder for Follow-Up methodologies ,Cancer to be Radiation Treatment Disaster report declares as Notifiable Disease and Perfection in Combined in a Reputed National Magazine year Modality And its public awareness. Revival of Shutdown 1983 radiation treatment facilities. 7 International Mothers Day Mothers Protection from various cancers Gynec and th May 9 cancers- Gall Bladder, Post Cricoids, Esophagus etc. 8 May 30th WHO Anti-Tobacco day Brown Ribbon Day th 9 5 June Environment and related Human Health Hazards, Talk World Environment Day of Medicinal Plants and redefining Greenery that shall provide nutritious food and replace tobacco agriculture. Anti Cancer Agro-Forestry. 10 Cancer Survivor Day Last Collecting the surviving patients to exemplify the success week of June and confidence in the treatment in front of other regular patients. Emphasis on completion and multimodality of treatment and significance of follow which is facilitated by free investigation and free Railway pass. th 11 September 12 Awareness Day for Head & Neck Cancers ISO National Day of head and neck Cancers Indian Society of Oncology National Day of H&N Cancers 12 September14th International Lymphoma Day Month of September : A Concerted Effort by all the Oncologists for the reminder for Tobacco Taxation to Finance Minister at the time of drafting of Union Budget . 13 International Increasingly prevalent Geriatric Oncology Elders Day 1st Oct Problem in Indian society: better aging average. 14 Palliative Care International Palliative care and World Hospice Day II Saturday of Oct. 15 October 22nd International Breast Cancer Pink Ribbon Day 16 17 18 20 November 2nd November 7th International Day of Neurological Cancers International Cancer Awareness day of Govt of India

November14th Awareness of Pediatric Cancers on Childrens Day BAL DIWAS related programs International AIDS International AIDS awareness Day awareness Day1st December Reminder of HIV related cancers

21

St.Valentinesday(Garaba participants Of Navaratras)

Taking lessons from Post World War British Experience- Talk of Promiscuity related cancers Vis-aVis Condoms sale statistics on St. Valentines Day

Cancer Prevention Through a Cancer Calendar the Need of the Hour

AIM: Repeated and Regular Reminders of Round the Year for Public, Practitioner, Policymaker and Politician and patients. This Years Gynec Cancer Theme: Ovarian Cancers and its Early Detection Awareness of well known Etiological Factors of Cancer Cervix other than HPV. Metropolitan Endometrial Cancer Awareness :The Statistics The Facts
Early Detection and cure can only happen through the awareness of masses. Cost Effective treatment becomes the necessity for majority of cancer patients who cannot afford the glamour of corporatization in clinical oncology. It is also important for economic security of the family and the nation that is heavily spending on cancer treatment centres. In other way cancer awareness also helps in bankruptcy prevention. Knowledge and awareness by the Oncologist of the modern molecules, machinery and surgery are of no use, if due to high cost involved they are not utilized to the fullest by the majority of cancer patient population. All the knowledge obtained from various international trials on biologically and genetically different population have little relevance when we are not able to get our own statistical data of results with these oncological advancements on our own people. This may not be possible unless and until the benefits of such molecules, machine and methods are trickled down to array of sections of Indian society. The expenditure being out of reach for the fabulous methods of treatment results in denial of natural justice to a common man and hence early stage detection through the awareness is the only way that outshines these glamorous proposals from corporate sectors- hospital pharma or equipment agencies.

Inability to comply to the high cost of treatment is evidenced by the high degree of drop out rates even before the commencement of treatment or halfway when already some expenditure has happened. With no where to go due to long waiting lists of treatment centers and absolute dearth of free palliative, terminal care centers the families reach the verge of total break down. It is not the question of few familiesimagine those cases that are still unaccounted by National Cancer Registry Project of ICMR. Count the percentage of those late stage cases of the total cases accounted by ICMR. The number of bewildered families shall be stupendous. The existing meager resources available for the exploding population of cancer patients go waste in treating those incurable cases who indeed need a terminal or palliative care out of bound for curative therapy. The advance made in the therapeutics have not gone hand in hand with public interaction and awareness of cancer. Large section of society is still not aware! If at all there is cure for this increasingly dreadful disease? If the cancer is detected in early stages it is curable, There are newer methods of treatment that provide comfortable and prolonged life even with cancer, even if it comes in late stages . Cancer is indeed preventable at its best!! At least in India. The organ conservation is possible only when the patients come to us in conservable stage. that is an early stage detected early due to awareness. Not enough has been done by the pharma Industry who spends millions on launch parties and marketing of their products and have now become a debatable issue both Internationally and in Parliament of India. Not enough of readable material for a very limited population of literates of the areas that supplies the largest number of illiterate cancer patients In Such a Scenario the audio visual programmes are the only answer that help The early Detection through knowledge of symptoms in first place: Symptoms that masquerade as common symptoms of other several diseases. The knowledge of Basic tests, Medical examination ,The knowledge of Biochemical markers that predict cancer even before the symptoms appear. The Self Examination culture of several sites in body: Breast, Genital, Oral and Nodal areas is yet to permeate in the minds of Oncologists and yet to take off in several areas of the country where it is urgently required for several sections of society. The Knowledge of Hereditary diseases, Cancer is being one of them . This is specially so with remarkable increase in incidence of Breast, Ovarian, Prostatic and colonic cancers in certain zone of country.

The Perspectives and purpose

1-To intensify the campaign for a particular cancer on the calendar date with special reference to its higher incidence or prevalence in that region . 2-To intercept and contribute the truth of cancer in other Social Days viz. Childrens day, Mothers Day , Elders Day , Womens Day, Fathers Day, Environment Day etc .

3-To collect realistic data on these cancers from various Cancer Patients Record Sections of oncology related specialties . The data compilation and presentation for the knowledge of public through the media and finally to a central compiling authority such as ICMR National Cancer Registry Project . These shall be the realistic statistic.The large gray areas of cancer dense populations left out by National Cancer Registry Project shall then be covered. 4-A renewed attempt or reminder campaign for declaring cancer as a Notifiable Disease for better handling of the detection, statistical compilation and Inspection for treatment facility available for these cancerbare minimal for basic cancer treatment centers and MCI recommendations for the teaching departments. 5- Promotion of Self Examination Culture of Breast , Genitals, Oral and Nodal areas. 6- Promotion of Annual comprehensive Gynecological check up with, Hematology, Pap, Colposcopy, Mammography, USG abdominal and transvaginal, CA 125 and Beta HCG wherever indicated, Oral examination. Lipid profile if possible.

Added to it should be
1- WHO Anti-Tobacco day Brown Ribbon Day Local and National Debate to deal with the causative factors such as Tobacco and hence stress on budgetary allocation for crop conversion programme to generate other alternative golden crops in place of tobacco - finally banning of tobacco farming, like many other countries have done . 2- Campaign to raise taxes on tobacco and tobacco products or to put Cess for Cancer Treatment Center construction on tobacco products to generate funds for more cancer treatment facilities. 3- On the National Head and Neck Cancer Day implementation of antismoking laws, promulgation of World Anti-tobacco Law . Statewide implementation of Tobacco ban. Promotion of Self examination of Oral Cavity. 4- National Gynecological Cancer day: Stress on family planning, sterilization, barrier contraception, hygiene , Literacy, Nutrition, Hemoglobin levels in relation to cervical and other cancers in females. Citing Chinese Example of automatic cancer cervix control with one child norm. Early age promiscuity Vs. Cancer cervix Vs HPV Vaccine. 5- Pink Ribbon Day :Stress on life style modifications in case of breast cancers. Promotion of Self Examination culture and concept of Yearly Comprehensive Female Check Up . 6- National Lymphoma Day: stress on Child care and self examination of Nodal areas and methods of de-stressing the child during his student days. School Cancer Education Programme.

7- National Cancer Awareness Day : Stress on promotion of motivated reading of cancer awareness material and encouragement and promotion of more awareness related writing by professional in oncology ,sociologist and psychologists. Screening of films on cancers and cancer treatment centers thorough cable operators, satellite channels and DD. 8- WHO/ UICC Cancer awareness Day the 4th February reminder of Declaration of cancer as a notifiable disease for realistic statistical evidence of cancer incidence from whole of the country. Promulgation of WHO Law o total ban on tobacco. Promotion of Self Examination habits of Breast, Genital, Oral and Nodal areas.

The Recommended Activities on National Calendar days for Cancer Prevention:

1- Local Newspaper and magazine articles -one week in advance, and even one week later ( the articles can be written in vernacular as well as English by the oncologists and in case of inability to do so can be obtained from the author at payment of postal charges. 2- School Lectures and programmes and screening of short films that can be made by the concerned oncologist on a betadigi pro format from available camera and can be transformed to CD or can be obtained from the author by payment of postal charges and copying charges. Pharma or Equipment companies if have any audiovisual CD prepared by them. 3- Notices to School to organize competition and activities related to cancer awareness on BAL DIWAS or on International Lymphoma Day .The programme can be chalked out by the oncologists or can take directives from the Book Cancer Ki kahani Jo Bacchon Ko Hai Sunani or Story of Cancer, Children ought to have been told, written by the author( Prof. Manoj Sharma). 4- Issuance of Notices to various Governmental organizations to observe the whole week as the awareness week in form of various TV programmes by various oncologists, radio talks, phone in programmes and health quiz programmes. 5- Always participate in HIV related public programmes and campaign activities so as to get the opportunity to highlight HIV related cancers. 6- Always participate in women and child welfare programmes so as to highlight commonest Indian female cancers and pediatric cancers. 7- Try to have a word in Kamgar Majdoor programmes on industrial carcinogenesis or profession related cancers.

The Ideology behind going into full swing for these kinds of media blitz is multi-pronged
1- Biting the media time for more important issues such as health issues as media persons with their not so sophisticated/ higher education background have not

realized the outcome of neglect of health and education issues. They have also no method of analysing and calculating the impact of what they are serving to the public with sole commercial objective and namesake entertainment. There is no qualified and intelligible feedback system . Instead TRP is worked out at the convenience out of the already addicted viewer to these hopeless programmes . 2- Exposure and knowledge to the public about the brighter side of Indians and breaking of the myth that life is not Bollywood, Big Bs , Khans ,cricket, Scamology or stock market or politics. In other words changing the taste of public toward more constructive and useful TV watching. 3- Reaching the most vulnerable population that is the population of illiterates. 4- Developing a rapport with media and self-training in media presentation.

The tips on media presentation

1- Language: Should always use vernacular and if possible local dialect unless and until insistence for English is there in some special programmes. 2- Simplicity of presentation that can be understood by common man 3- Creating curiosity, sensationalism and also Fear is the Key as they say. This is specially so for an adamant Indian population who tends to jump into well even though pointed out that there is a well. 4- Visual media tools: lots of explanatory graphics, betadigi pro video clips and Calligraphic messages in case the studio does not have the facility to type it. Or when the programme is live and not pre recorded. Conversion from VHS to betadigi is now possible but is costly. 5Insistence for bottom runners messages when the programme is on or all time bottom runner messages when the week is under celebration. 6- The message can be drafted depending upon the local ethos, traditions idioms and ideas or can be obtained from the author on payment of postal charges/ or through e-mail( drmanojsharma@gmail.com / drshamanoj@yahoo.co.in ) 7- Always prepare an outline for the programme and be firm as to what you want to say in front of camera or mike. Please dont let the anchor or compeer drive you away from the main issue dont get overwhelmed by the studio milieu, although a decent compromise between your thought process and anchors philosophy or thinking or at times his primitiveness can save the programme from becoming a disaster presentation. 8- Use a smiling face and informal attire and attitude, cut short callers questions if they are not related to the topic of the day.

Fund and Resource developments

1- The relatives and friends of the patients who are connected with or employed in media, press, radio or television channel need to be requested/ pressurized to do a programme. Generally in time of their need they become our friends indeed. Exploitation for good cause. 2Your own relatives and friends who can help do such programmes and published articles in newspapers on a particular day or even year round.

3- The Hospital / Govt authorities to be convinced for fund allocation for OPD distribution of the material and Hospital based Celebration or early detection camp of the Cancer Dates . 4- Pharma companies to contribute for printed readable material or audiovisual preparation . The expenditure they do on various methods of publicity and launch parties is miniscule in front of printing information booklets in thousands or 27 minute documentary on cancer related problems 5- Shun and discourage drink parties at the expense of pharma and equipment companies that too in disguise of academic meeting or CME (Delhis pathetic example of one oncology related specialist community that holds such drink parties regularly in guise of CME or academic meet, especially when the infrastructure and treatment opportunities are pathetic , as evidenced by waiting lists and unavailability of basic treatment modes in many of the medical college radiotherapy departments .) Kyon hum jashna manayen jab hamare rogi tadapen aur ilaaj ko tarasaen. 6- If at all sponsored events by pharma are to be done then do them in the department of the medical college instead of 3 or 5 star hotels. This sends a wrong message- when the patients are suffering due to waiting lists the oncologists are celebrating in five starers. Call other specialist or the department related to oncological management such as gynec, surgery, medicine and pediatrics pathology to share your view point with them. 7- Discourage pharma companies for gifts , brochures pamphlets .Instead ask them to provide preventive education and patient information materials in vernacular languages. in bulk so that it can be distributed from the OPDs. 8- Rich business houses and individual can be motivated to contribute for the Societal Cause to the Cancer welfare NGOs or society from where the awareness material under their auspices can be printed providing income tax relief to the donor. 9- The Business establishments themselves can sponsor awareness material book, pamphlettes or brochure. The required stress on the message must be edited and added by the oncologist 10- If unable to assemble or write, the whole book can be provided on CD with payment of processing charges and book composers/ setter charges The copyright remains reserved with the author. 11- Divert NGOs attention toward the cancer problem. HelpAge for Geriatric Cancers, CRY for Pediatric Cancers etc. Various Cancer related NGOs in metropolises , Indian Cancer Society for dearth of vernacular educative material. Adhar Charitable Trust( In Delhi ) and Cancer Patient Aid Association ( In Delhi and Mumbai) for other educative material. 12- Rotary LION, Round Table, JCs Gymkhanas etc can be involved for such activities one by one for each cancer event calendar day. 13- Highlight the National Cancer Calendar Day events on your website if you have one. 14- Inter specialist bulk e-mailing for the reminder of the calendar cancer days. Always remember that to achieve the purpose of cancer campaign the influence on the Pharma , Equipment and Reagent industry has to be total , combined and comprehensive from the oncology community .When all the oncologists start demanding the societal contributions from these companies for awareness material

and not for entertainment by Mans Machchali , Meetha and Madira ( money and Mahila , remains unmentioned ) the industry is bound to accept our proposal for this noble cause. Let us not make fabulous encashment on cancer, instead prevent encashment of cancer patients wealth by treating an early stage organ conservable disease.