Mangalore: Cancer Seva Trust in association with Mangalore Institute of Oncology (M.I.O), Mangalore, has conducted a comprehensive 20 question Cancer Awareness Household Survey across Dakshina Kannada district in coastal Karnataka.
The survey, involving over 10,000 participants including housewives, students, daily wage workers, professionals, and business and trade communities, provides critical insights into public awareness, prevailing myths, and barriers related to cancer prevention and early detection.
The findings reveal that there is a strong foundational awareness about cancer among the public. More than 90% of respondents understand that tobacco consumption causes cancer, and the majority are aware that early detection improves curability, treatment outcomes, and survival rates.
Participants also widely recognize that cancer is a non-communicable disease, meaning it does not spread from person to person, reflecting the impact of sustained public awareness campaigns over the years.
Key Challenges:
Despite awareness about the importance of early detection, less than 15% of respondents undergo routine cancer screening. The primary reasons cited include fear of diagnosis, concerns about treatment costs, and the distance to treatment centres.
Awareness regarding the HPV vaccine, which can prevent cancers such as cervical and certain throat cancers, remains moderate.
Many individuals tend to seek medical help only after severe late-stage symptoms appear, thereby missing the crucial opportunity for early prevention or better treatment options.
At the same time, the survey indicates encouraging trends, with several participants reporting self-examination practices and awareness of healthy eating habits.
Path Forward:
Measures such as subsidized screening drives, fear-mitigating counselling, HPV vaccination awareness campaigns, and mobile screening/detection clinics can help bridge the gap between awareness and action. Strengthening communication through trusted channels such as doctors, mainstream TV and press media, and social media platforms can further encourage regular screening and vaccination, reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses, and contribute to building a stronger preventive health system.
Event Details:
With the intent of bringing the issue of cancer prevention and early detection to the attention of both the general public and government authorities, the survey book titled “A Promising New Path in Cancer Awareness – 10000+ Household Cancer Awareness Survey Report” was formally released at M.I.O, Pumpwell, Mangalore. The program was presided over by Dr. D Suresh Rao, Managing Trustee, Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust & Director, M.I.O, with chief guests Shri Ivan D’Souza, Hon’ble Member of the Karnataka Legislative Council, and Shri Walter Nandalike, Founder, MD, DaijiWorld Media Pvt Ltd, distinguished guests, doctors, healthcare experts, community leaders, cancer survey participants and others. The event has highlighted the key findings of the survey through a video and also discussed steps to improve cancer prevention and early detection in the region. The report is being submitted to the Government of Karnataka and concerned health authorities with the hope that its findings will guide policies and programs aimed at improving early detection and preventive care. The organizers cordially invited members of the press and media to cover the book release program and play a crucial role in disseminating these insights to the wider public, helping to promote awareness and encourage proactive participation in cancer screening and preventive health practices.
Dr. D Suresh Rao, Managing Trustee, Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust, sincerely appreciated the efforts of the doctors, staff members, volunteers, and community participants who made this survey possible.
Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients in coastal Karnataka, particularly through financial aid and awareness initiatives. Closely associated with Mangalore Institute of Oncology (M.I.O), the trust focuses on aiding underprivileged individuals facing the financial burdens of cancer treatment.
The trust spearheads community outreach like “MahitiKendras” (Cancer Information Centres – 10 across Karnataka) offering cancer symptom awareness and early detection guidance.
Mangalore Institute of Oncology (M.I.O) stands as a pioneering cancer care facility in coastal Karnataka, India. Established in 2011, and accredited by National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers, it delivers comprehensive oncology services through advanced technology and a multidisciplinary team. Founded by visionary radiation oncologist Dr. D Suresh Rao, alongside a team of dedicated oncologists and philanthropists, M.I.O has grown into a 120-bed super-specialty hospital at Pumpwell & Karangalapady, Mangalore, delivering world-class, affordable care.