The Cancer Safe Kerala Project is a visionary initiative with a major goal: to provide free cancer screening programs to the entire population of Kerala. Early detection is critical in improving the chances of successful treatment, and the project will also offer timely referral and follow-up services to those in need. In addition, data on the prevalence, incidence, and mortality of different types of cancer will be collected and analyzed to enhance cancer control policies and programs in the state.
The International Preventive Onco Summit 2023 will feature sessions by distinguished experts from around the world, sharing their insights on preventive oncology. Topics will include screening, vaccination, lifestyle modification, and awareness campaigns. The summit will also highlight the best practices and innovations in cancer prevention and control from Kerala and beyond. Participants will have the opportunity to network and collaborate, fostering a global community of action against cancer.
Shri. Arif Mohammed Khan, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala
Inauguration of INTERNATIONAL PREVENTIVE ONCO SUMMIT
Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala
Inauguration of the closure of the Summit and declaration of CANCER SAFE KERALA Project
Smt. Veena George, Hon’ble Minister of Health and Family Welfare Government of Kerala
Closure of the Summit- Keynote Address
Shri V Sivankutty, Minister for General Education & and Labour Government of Kerala
KIDS CAN- Inauguration & Theme song release
“I am delighted to share with you on behalf of Swasthi Foundation, along with Mayo Clinic, USA, Health & Family Welfare Department, Kerala Health University and other like-minded institutions, that we are launching a new project, Cancer Safe Kerala. This project emphasizes screening the entire population of Kerala for cancer and also spreading awareness about the importance of preventing and detecting cancer early. We think that prevention is better than cure, and that by teaching people about the causes, signs and tests of cancer, we can save many lives and ease the burden of the disease by detecting it early.
I request you all to join us in this mission to make Kerala a cancer safe state. Together, we can make a difference and create a healthier and happier society. Thank you for your cooperation and love.
Stay safe and stay healthy.”
UNITED FOR CANCER SAFE KERALA
Swasthi Foundation in association with Mayo clinic, USA, Health & Family Welfare Department, Kerala, Kerala University for Health Sciences, Kerala Association of Surgical Oncology (KASO), IRIA Preventive Radiology National Committee, Karkinos Health Care, Aster Medicity, NIMS Medicity, Gokulam Medical College, Caritas Hospital Kottayam, Somatheeram Ayurvedic Resort, Dr. K M Cherian Institute of Medical Science, SUT Hospital Pattom, RGCB Trivandrum, Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Kerala Media Academy, Trivandrum Medical College Alumni Association, Trivandrum Oncology Club, QPMPA, LNCPE Trivandrum, Kerala Cricket Association, Malabar Cancer Care Society, AMICOS along with other institutions committed to the cause of cancer prevention and care.
Cancer Safe Kerala is a visionary initiative that aims to create a cancer-free society in Kerala through a massive screening project and a comprehensive cancer control strategy. The importance of prevention measures against cancer in Kerala cannot be overstated. Kerala has the highest incidence of cancer in India, with almost 169 per 1 lakh population (2022). The mortality rate in the state is now about 92 deaths per 1 lakh population. The major risk factors for cancer in Kerala are tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, obesity, and infections. These risk factors are largely preventable or modifiable through lifestyle changes and awareness. The Cancer Safe Kerala project aims to cover the entire population of Kerala with free cancer screening programs that will help us find cancer early, when it is easier to treat and cure, and to provide timely and appropriate referral and follow-up services to those who need them. The project will also collect and analyze data on the prevalence, incidence, and mortality of different types of cancer in Kerala, and use this information to inform and improve the cancer control policies and programs in the state.
The Cancer Safe Kerala project will also launch a massive awareness campaign to educate the public about the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment of cancer. The campaign will also motivate people to adopt healthy behaviors and practices that can reduce their risk of developing cancer. The campaign will also address the stigma and myths associated with cancer and encourage people to seek medical help without delay.
The project will not only save lives and reduce suffering from cancer, but also improve the quality of life and well-being of the people of Kerala. The project will also contribute to the social and economic development of the state by reducing the burden of disease and enhancing productivity. This is a collective effort that requires the participation and support of all stakeholders, including the government, health care providers, civil society organizations, media, academia, industry, and most importantly, the people of Kerala. Together, we can make Kerala a cancer safe state.