Every year February 4 th is observed as Cancer awareness day throughout the world. On 1 st
February 2024, Cancer awareness program to the villagers of Devarayasamudra was
organized by NRI cell along with Department of student welfare. Cancer is a global disease
and is spreading rapidly in every part of the world. The aim of this event was to sensitize our
NRI students regarding the services provided by RL Jalappa Hospital and research center
towards cancer and educate the rural men and women regarding cancer. The awareness day
was observed under the guidance of NRI cell convener Dr.Geetha S, Physiology Professor
and NRI student cell President Dr.Menali D (Intern). Dr.Pradeep TS, Director, Student
welfare, welcomed all students and faculty for this event.

The day started with the small briefing of the NRI cell activities by Dr.Geetha S, convener
NRI cell, SDUAHER, Kolar. She explained how such activities can bring N.R.I students
closer to this society. This was followed by awareness talk to our students by Dr.Menali D,
The President, N.R.I student cell. She spoke for 15 minutes what are the most common
cancers in India, what are their symptoms and how medical technology has changed the
perception of cancer by newer drugs discovery and treatment option. She also said that in
spite of all these advances in health care services lot of stigma is still attached to cancer
among rural villagers. She addressed all MBBS students that to distribute the Information,
education and Communication (IEC) materials in twelve villages of Devarayasamudra,
Mulbagal. All MBBS students were divided into 4 groups. Each group were given three
villages where they were to dispense IEC activities and educate rural villagers regarding
Cancer.

Students spoke on quitting smoking if possible never starting in the first place, maintaining a
healthy weight by regular monitoring at near by Primary Health center, exercising regularly,
protecting your skin from the sun, and getting vaccinated against the pathogens that cause
certain cancers, can dramatically reduce your risk of cancer in many cases.

All students clearly explained Cancer is not a single disease, but rather a collection of
diseases all characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cells. Early detection is always
better to prevent cancer all students started distributing the IEC materials provided among
villagers from 10:15AM to 12:45PM. They interacted with the villagers and provided
information about various activities done by NRI cell regarding Cancer awareness. 50 MBBS
students took part in this awareness program. The session ended up with refreshments.