500 youth clubs in colleges to spread cancer awareness

In a bid to rope-in thousands of youngsters to spread the message of cancer prevention, Karnataka Cancer Society will start 500 youth clubs in degree colleges.

The organisation, which recently celebrated its 50th year, will use the ‘Youth Clubs Against Cancer’ to educate teenagers on the ill-effects of tobacco and drugs, while also giving them a better understanding of the killer disease.

The society has also launched a programme called Cancer awareness, screening, treatment and evaluation (CASTE) on a pilot basis in Chikkaballapura district. Based on the outcome of the pilot programme, it will be rolled out in other districts.

The society will also start an information centre to provide comprehensive information on financial assistance through insurance for cancer patients.

Financial resources

They would tie-up with Pradhan Mantri Ayushman Bharath scheme and ensure cancer patients find financial resources to access treatment, especially if they happened to be poor.

The Society, started in 1968 with the help of philanthropists and doctors before Bengaluru could even have a dedicated cancer hospital, today offers medication at a subsidised cost for patients and oral morphine for terminally ill patients.

A statewide community-based voluntary health care organisation, the society is committed to eliminating cancer. It also works towards cancer prevention, saving lives and reducing suffering as a result of the disease. It strives to achieve its objectives by encouraging research, education, advocacy and offering services by conducting camps all over the state.

The society provides clinical facilities at its main office in Vyalikaval in Malleswaram.