Bust the myths!

With an objective to debunk the myths and to raise awareness about cancer, The Times of India in association with Joyalukkas, held an interactive session at SCMS, Kochi

On the occasion of World Cancer Day on 04 February, an informative and interactive session on cancer awareness and its myths was organised at SCMS College, Kochi, by the oncologist from Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS).

Dr Neeraj Sidharthan, associate professor, Haematology/oncology and stem cell transplant, AIMS, spoke at length about the four myths associated with cancer and helped debunk them. He also spoke on the different types of cancer and its treatment. “Proper awareness and early detection is the need of the hour. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle is equally important,” he said.

Nandana S, medical social worker at AIMS, discussed how one can help those affected by dealing with them normally and helping financially as well as through blood donation etc. Anie Teresa Joy and Ben Joe, PGDM students at SCMS, shared heart-warming experiences of visiting and interacting with the cancer patients at AIMS. P P Jose, executive director, Joy Alukkas, also spoke at the event. Samuel John, student at SCMS, proposed the vote of thanks.    
                                             

As part of the programme, the participants divided into 10 groups and painted canvas to express solidarity to the cancer affected.  They also set afloat about 200 balloons as a mark of hope and optimism to those affected by the dreadful disease. 

                      sherene.joseph@timesgroup.com