CG: Regional Cancer Institute begins awareness campaign on World Cancer Day

RAIPUR,INDIA: Raipur’s Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Smriti Medical College and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar Smriti Hospital began a five-day event from February 4 to 8, 2025, to mark World Cancer Day. The initiative aims to raise awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and provide necessary care for cancer patients. 

As part of the campaign, priority will be given to patients with cancer symptoms at the outpatient department (OPD) for screenings.

A blood donation drive will also be conducted by employees of the Regional Cancer Institute at the Model Blood Bank to support cancer patients. To promote awareness about cancer symptoms and the importance of timely treatment, students from the Radiotherapy, Nursing, and Physiotherapy departments will conduct street plays. 

A rally will also be organized at 7 AM from the institute to the Oxygen Park, where public awareness activities, including street performances, will be held.

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) to spread awareness, encourage prevention, and address the challenges posed by cancer worldwide. The theme for 2025, United Bio-Unic, emphasizes a patient-centric approach to cancer care, recognizing the unique needs, circumstances, and personal experiences of each individual.

The Regional Cancer Institute has played a crucial role in treating cancer patients from across Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Between 2019 and 2023, the institute registered nearly 18,500 patients, with 3,832 (20-25 percent) achieving full recovery. Among women, breast and cervical cancers remain the leading causes of death. At the institute, 36 percent of breast cancer patients and 30 percent of cervical cancer patients have successfully recovered during this period. Other major cancers treated include oral, throat, lung, brain, bone, blood, stomach, and kidney cancers.

The institute has also been a beacon of hope for many long-term survivors. A blood cancer patient from Mungeli, who was diagnosed in 2008, continues to visit Raipur every month for follow-ups. Despite the initial shock of the diagnosis, he credits the doctors for providing continuous support and motivation. Another survivor, Rahim, was diagnosed with a brain tumor while in the ninth grade. After being referred to the Regional Cancer Institute, he underwent treatment and has been under regular follow-up for eight years. Today, he is pursuing higher education in Raipur, proving that early diagnosis and consistent care can transform lives.

The upcoming awareness campaign aims to reinforce these success stories and encourage communities to prioritize early detection and treatment, making cancer care more accessible and effective.