Cancer Society takes awareness programmes across the country
Cancer awareness is vital as it helps with early detection, which can dramatically improve the chances of successful treatment and survival. By understanding the risk factors, people can take proactive steps to reduce their risk, such as making healthier lifestyle choices. Ultimately, awareness empowers individuals to take control of their health, leading to better outcomes and a higher quality of life for those diagnosed with cancer.
Fostering awareness among low-income and underprivileged communities plays a pivotal role in cancer prevention and the Sri Lanka Cancer Society (SLCS) has primarily focused on conducting awareness programmes for low-income communities, factory workers, schools, and preschools in both Greater Colombo and outstation areas. These programmes are held in Sinhala, with Tamil translators available when necessary.
These grassroots initiatives are aimed at bridging the significant knowledge gap about cancer within these communities. The SLCS’s Public Education Officer, Merril Perera, has successfully conducted 271 cancer awareness programmes across the island
In conjunction with Jana Rukula, awareness programmes focusing on breast and cervical cancer, were carried out for women in the Anuradhapura, Gampaha and Kurunegala Districts. Successful implementation of awareness programmes in 2024 in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi, and Mannar, was made possible through the support of Sarvodaya. These programmes were the first of their kind in these areas and aimed to raise awareness about general cancers among both men and women.
The Colombo Municipal Council’s Health Instructors also organised programmes for communities living in low income housing in the Mattakuliya area. Factory workers outreach programmes were also held and many corporates such as Stretchline and R.M.P. Ceylon Ltd have shown interest in increasing cancer awareness for their factory workers. MAS sponsored many programmes for their factory staff in Ratmalana, Biyagama, Moratuwa, Thulhiriya and Kilinochchi.
Local authorities in areas such as Negombo, Moratuwa and Ratmalana organised programmes for children in the presence of teachers and parents. The Public Education Committee also initiated cancer awareness for schools in Colombo, particularly focusing on girls’ schools.
Awareness programmes were also conducted for the Army Camp in Kandy, the Army rehabilitation centre in Colombo and the Air Force camp in Ratmalana. The former secretary of the Pradheshiya Sabha in Mahiyangana organised an awareness programme for the Police and Mahaweli project officers. A programme was also carried out for the Pettah Police.
Many programmes are carried out on Haritha TV and Derana TV with reputed oncologists and cancer survivors sharing their knowledge and experience.
The society relies entirely on public contributions to fund and carry out all of its awareness programmes.
Going forward, the Sri Lanka Cancer Society is committed to continuing their work in the future, with programmes planned in Jaffna, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Mannar.
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