Sri Lanka Cancer Society:

Shantha Sevena brings sunshine into people's lives

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The priceless, but silent service, rendered by the Sri Lanka Cancer Society (SLCS) for the benefit of cancer patients in the country during the past several decades was highlighted at the Society's 62nd annual general meeting held in Colombo recently.

The AGM was attended by over 100 members of the society and the Attorney General Mohan Peris was the guest speaker.

Inaugurated in 1948, the Society headquarters was established at Bullers Lane, Colombo 7 in 1974 with the sole objective of expanding its services for cancer patients all over the country.

In an interview with the Sunday Observer, the society's Administrative Secretary, K. Weeratunga said the Society has so far provided medical assistance to over 100,000 cancer patients.

The SLCS maintains a cancer hospice, `Shantha Sevena', close to Maharagama Cancer Hospital, to look after terminally ill patients and also the Cancer Home which provides treatment to cancer patients, recommended by the Cancer Hospital, Maharagama.

According to Weeratunga, 35 patients who do not show positive signs of recovery are warded in the hospice where they enjoy a very peaceful life.

The Cancer Home too provides ward accommodation to 85 patients who are in need of medical assistance and who are taken in only on the advice of the Government Cancer Hospital.

It has been reported that cancer kills over hundreds of thousands of people every year especially in developing countries who suffer due to lack of treatment.

Current statistics reveal that over 11 million were being diagnosed with cancer every year and around 20 million will suffer from cancer by the year 2020.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) 12.5 per cent deaths worldwide are currently caused by cancer. HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria are the other three major diseases that causes deaths.

The WHO report also indicates that there were 10.1 million new cancer patients in the year 2000 of which 6.2 million deaths were reported. During the period 22.4 million lived with cancer.

According to health reports, lung cancer in males and breast cancer in females are the most common types worldwide. The others are leukaemia, bladder, womb, rectum, oral, thyroid, brain, colorectal, stomach, liver, prostate and oesophageal cancer.

The cancer is a rapidly expanding epidemic. It occurs when certain cells of the body grow and multiply at an abnormal and uncontrollable rate. Cancer often forms as a tumour which is a mass of cancerous cells, which may also circulate through the blood, and also spread to other parts of the body.

Weeratunga said cancer could be cured if the detection is made early and therefore public awareness campaigns on cancer are vital to prevent the disease.

Cancer could affect people of all ages and therefore people of all ages must be educated on the disease, early detection and the prevention methods.

Although tobacco use and smoking are some of the primary causes of cancer, uncontrolled use of pesticides and weedicides, chewing tobacco with betel, lack of healthy diet, physical activities, stress, alcohol consumption, changes in lifestyle, use of heroin and other dangerous drugs and environmental pollution are the several contributory factors.

Meanwhile, the Cancer Society advises the younger generation to consume more natural food items such as green vegetables, fruits and cereals apart from having junk foods, processed meat, beverages and other varieties of genetically modified foods which are available in plenty today.

The Society also pinpointed the negative aspects of certain television advertisements on various food items.

Commenting on regular cancer awareness programs, conducted by the Sri Lanka Cancer Society, SLCS, The Public Education Officer, Gamini Karunanayake emphasised the need of more cancer awareness programs for school children.

He said the Society conducts programs in schools.

The free trade zones, state institutions like the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, prisons, private firms and nursery schools to educate employees on the detection of cancer, prevention and the treatment methods.

He also referred to the monthly `Poly Clinic', conducted by the Sri Lanka Cancer Society on the second Sunday of every month at the headquarters in Colombo 7, where paps-smear tests, dental and general clinics are conducted for cancer patients free.

Oncologists, pathologists, gynaecologists, dental surgeons and the general surgeons provide their services free at the Clinics.

He said when patients call over at the Poly Clinic, paps smear samples takes from them are sent to the Maharagama Cancer Hospital lab reports.

The SLCS also thanks Director, National Cancer Control Program, Dr.( Mrs.) W.N.D. Paranagama and the Dental Association of Sri Lanka for arranging specialists to spare their services at the Poly Clinic, free of charge.

Karunanayake also urged the Government and other authorities to impose restrictions on smoking, selling tobacco products, ban all sorts of alcohol advertisements in print and the electronic media, impose high taxes on tobacco products and alcohol to create a healthy society.

Asked about the programs, conducted by the SLCS to raise funds for the use of society activities, SLCS's Administrative Secretary, E.N Tissera said in addition to the annual jumble sale, the Society receives funds from individual donors almost every month.