The inauguration of the ‘Pratheeksha’ Cancer Screening Project and an awareness session for Anganwadi workers under the Ettumanoor ICDS Project were jointly organised by Caritas Hospital and the ICDS Ettumanoor Project at the Diamond Jubilee Conference Hall, Caritas Hospital.

The programme was presided over by Rev. Fr. Saiju Puthenparambil, Assistant Director – Media & Relations, Caritas Hospital. Mr. Jaimon Karimadam, President of Ettumanoor Block Panchayat, inaugurated the cancer screening project.

Dr. Boben Thomas, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Ann Darley Varghese, Child Development Project Officer, ICDS Ettumanoor, offered felicitations. Dr. Johny K. Joseph, Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, proposed the vote of thanks.

As part of the cancer awareness seminar, sessions on various aspects of cancer were led by specialists from the Caritas Cancer Institute, including Dr. Jose Tom, Dr. Jojo V. Joseph, Dr. Boban Thomas, Dr. Unni S. Pillai and Dr. Divya Ramalingam.

As part of the project, free Pap smear tests for early detection of cervical cancer and mammogram tests for breast cancer screening will be provided to 214 women employees. The initiative aims to promote early identification of cancer risks among women, encourage timely screening and facilitate appropriate treatment through early diagnosis.