UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective: The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute, a joint venture of the Government of Gujarat and Gujarat Cancer Society is committed to cancer prevention, education and research. It generates funds and conducts programmes for community, medical and para-medical personnel for early detection and prevention of cancer. Methods: We have created ‘Community Oncology Centre' that undertakes health check-up for early detection, organize screening programme in rural areas and industrial establishments. School children are invited to visit a scientific exhibition. Trained demonstrators educate them in audio-visual sessions. These children adored with knowledge on cancer, its causes and prevention become the ambassadors in the society; spread message of quitting tobacco and unhealthy habits predisposing to cancer. ‘Continued Medical Education' programmes for health workers, nurses and general practitioners are organized to update knowledge on screening and early detection of cancer. We translate existing knowledge into local conditions (dialect, social contexts) to penetrate the society; change behavior and environment by making people more conscious on environmental hazards and personal habits; the life style determinants that change incidence of several tumor types. We organize public programmes throughout the year (‘Cancer Victory Day', ‘World No Tobacco Day'). We conduct anti-tobacco drive on festivals by involving masses. We implement new diagnostic, treatment and research facilities to complete efforts to address ‘Total' cancer control. Results: We observed a significant increase in the awareness in the communities and school children. An increase in the knowledge of paramedical and medical personnel was observed with a decline in the advanced cancer referrals