From a sixth class student to an octogenarian, the participants had one mission – to create awareness of cancer. They were honoured for writing essays about the role of the public in the fight against cancer at a function organised at Madras Medical College (MMC) on Monday.
Since 2004, the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology of MMC has been organising such competitions to create awareness of diseases as a run-up to the Independence Day celebration.
S.M.Chandramohan, head of the department and the programme co-ordinator, said there was overwhelming response forcing the organisers to restrict the number of entries from schools and colleges to the “top 10” from each institution. The department received 333 entries from school and college students, professionals and senior citizens across the country.
While some essays touched upon the ill-effects of smoking and the disturbing trend of self-medication, a few participants emphasised the role self-help groups could play in spreading awareness of cancer.
The competition has inspired participants so much so that one of the toppers, a schoolteacher, has asked students to take up a project on the same topic, Dr.Chandramohan said.
MMC Dean V.Kanagasabai stressed the importance of regular health check-ups for those aged above 40 as it was vital for early detection of diseases. Pointing out that non-communicable diseases were on the rise, he said patients must have self-confidence and courage to win over their disease. He also spoke about the various notions pertaining to cancer. Dr. Kanagasabai presented medals and certificates to 15 toppers of the essay competition.
Highlighting that Chennai was becoming a hub of medical tourism, speakers at the function suggested that a special ward be created at government hospitals to address the growing needs of medical tourists.
Participants shared emotional moments when Hannah, a throat cancer survivor, who took it as a challenge to regain her voice, narrated her experience. “It is not true that government hospitals provide poor treatment. The doctors at the government hospitals work with a social commitment and provide quality care to the under-privileged,” she said.
While MMC vice-principal A.Sundaram underscored the people's responsibility in maintaining public hygiene, V.Palani, medical superintendent, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, said movies often convey wrong messages about diseases, particularly cancer and instil fear of death.
He suggested that a medical team be consulted before making films based on health themes.
