World Cancer Day-2024.

World Cancer Day, held every 4 February, is a global initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). By raising worldwide awareness, sharing knowledge and catalysing personal, collective and government action, we are all working together to reimagine a world where millions of cancer deaths are prevented and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all. The theme for the World Cancer Day campaign 2022-2024 is “Close the Care Gap”, it is all about uniting our voices and taking action. The last year of this campaign is all about bringing attention to a higher level literally. We will raise our voices to engage our leaders.

Under the aegis of the Darwin Zoological Society, Department of Zoology at DAV College Jalandhar, the World Cancer Day-2024 was observed on 07th February 2024. The students from both UG and PG classes actively participated in the program. This year marks the third and final year of the campaign. The theme for this year is ‘Together, we challenge those in power’. This theme encompasses the global demand for leaders to prioritize and invest in cancer prevention and care and to do more to achieve a just and cancer-free world. Dr. Maithili Sharma, Medical Officer (MBBS DNB Radiation oncology) was the guest speaker & chief guest for the occasion. The objectives of the program was to create awareness among society regarding cancer and various treatments for its prevention.

The function was started by enlightening the lamp by respected Principal Dr. Rajesh Kumar along with other dignitaries. Prof. Pooja Sharma cordially welcomed the eminent speaker and briefly introduced Dr. Maithili Sharma. Principal, Dr. Rajesh Kumar enlightened upon the theme of World Cancer Day, various common risk factors and warning signs of cancer. Prof. Punit Puri Head, Department of Zoology also emphasized on awareness and the importance of early treatment, signs, prevention and treatment options.

The session was enriched with an interactive session between the guest speaker Dr. Maithili Sharma, the students and faculty members. In her speech, she talked about the cancer, which is the second leading cause of death worldwide and has become a major health concern in the past decades. She added that the silent killer that often goes undetected in its early stages, spreads insidiously before manifesting into noticeable symptoms. Early detection is the key to surviving this deadly disease. In India too, the deadly disease is showing an upward trend. According to Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN), there were 19.3 million incident cancer cases worldwide for the year 2020. It has been predicted that cancer cases in India would increase to 2 million, a rise of 57.5 per cent in 2040 from 2020. As per National Cancer Registry Programme, one in nine people are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Dr. Maithili Sharma highlighted on the supportive schemes, services available for cancer patients and demonstrated techniques of breast self-examination. She further added that lung and breast cancers are the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively. Lymphoid leukaemia emerged as the most common childhood cancer. She also addressed various myths and taboos related about the cancer in community. The session was concluded by the open discussion among students and faculty members. The students of UG and PG classes showed their active participation in the program and they identified the program as effective and motivating.

In the last, Dr. Abhinay Thakur President, Darwin Zoological Society, Department of Zoology proposed vote of thanks to those who have directly and indirectly contributed to this event. At the outset, he thanked the guest speaker for enlightening the students with her knowledge. He also thanked all organizing committee members viz. Prof. Pooja Sharma, Dr. Deepak Wadhawan, Dr. Rishi Kumar, Dr. Kapila Mahajan, Prof. Pankaj Bagga and Prof. Ramandeep Kaur. He also expressed his gratitude to Prof. Punit Puri, HOD, Zoology and Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Principal for providing enthusiastic support and encouragement.