Household cancer awareness survey report to be released tody

Mangaluru: A survey book titled ‘A Promising New Path in Cancer Awareness – 10,000+ Household Cancer Awareness Survey Report' will be formally released at Mangalore Institute of Oncology (MIO), Pumpwell, on Saturday, to highlight issues related to cancer prevention and early detection among the public and government authorities.The programme will be presided over by Dr D Suresh Rao, managing trustee, Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust, and director, MIO. MLC Ivan D'Souza and media personality Walter Nandalike will be the chief guests. The report will be submitted to the State government and concerned health authorities, with the expectation that its findings will help shape policies and programmes to improve early detection and preventive care.The 20-question survey was conducted across Dakshina Kannada district by Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust in association with MIO. The survey covered more than 10,000 respondents, including housewives, students, daily-wage workers, professionals, and members of the business and trade communities. It captured insights into public awareness, prevailing myths, and barriers related to cancer prevention and early detection.The findings indicate strong foundational awareness about cancer. Over 90% of respondents know that tobacco consumption causes cancer, and a majority are aware that early detection improves curability, treatment outcomes, and survival rates. Many respondents also recognise that cancer is a non-communicable disease that does not spread from person to person, reflecting the impact of sustained public awareness campaigns.Despite this awareness, fewer than 15% of respondents undergo routine cancer screening. The main reasons cited were fear of diagnosis, concerns about treatment costs, and the distance to treatment centres. Awareness of the HPV vaccine, which can prevent cancers such as cervical and certain throat cancers, remains moderate. The survey also found that many people seek medical help only after severe late-stage symptoms appear. At the same time, several respondents reported engaging in self-examination practices and being aware of healthy eating habits.The report suggests measures such as subsidised screening drives, fear-mitigating counselling, HPV vaccination awareness campaigns, and mobile screening and detection clinics to bridge the gap between awareness and action. It also notes that communication through doctors, mainstream television, print media, and social media platforms can encourage regular screening and vaccination and help reduce late-stage cancer diagnoses.