Oral cancer has proven to be one of the most dangerous types of cancer. In fact, it has proven to be the deadliest type of cancer among Indian men. Keeping these facts in mind, we conducted a statistical study to analyse the trends on 3 aspects related to oral cancer in our surrounding regions: knowledge and awareness on cancer, habits which may potentially lead to cancer as well as symptoms associated to cancer. Accordingly, we categorised the target or survey population into 3 categories: high, medium and low risk population. The results of the survey were quite shocking.
A majority of people who were categorised into the high and medium risk populations weren’t even aware of how their daily habits could potentially lead to cancer. For example, on being asked if consumption of alcohol or tobacco may lead to cancer, a large number of people responded in no. Thus, the people in high risk profile not only had a low awareness score but also a very high score in habits which may lead to cancer and symptoms of cancer. This basically goes on to say that not only do people smoke, consume tobacco or alcohol in large proportions on a daily basis, they are not even aware of how it might destroy their lives forever.
Thus, awareness is one of the fundamental needs that must be met in order to mitigate the threats of cancer. Driven by a passion to fulfil this need, the students of The Emerald Heights International School shall be undertaking a series of awareness campaigns among risk- prone populations in order to inform them on a variety of aspects related to cancer. Starting at the grassroots level itself, we shall be launching our first awareness campaign within the school premises among those constituting the school staff and support system.
Having noted all of that, it must also be understood that our understanding of the habits which may prove to be causes of this fatal disease has always been quite limited. For example, a majority of us still know just consumption of alcohol and tobacco or maybe smoking as possible causes of cancer. What we may not realise, however, is that even our basic daily practises may lead to cancer. Similarly, an improvement in our daily habits may mitigate the threats of cancer. Thus, it becomes vital to be aware of what is cancer and what practises may I adopt to mitigate its threats.
Believing in the same, we are launching a daily online awareness campaign on cancer and its prevention. The content for this awareness campaign has been compiled in collaboration with the Indore Cancer Foundation. So, in order to stay aware and gain insights into practises which might lower the risks of cancer in your life, do follow our online campaign on our Facebook page @ehisanniversarychallenge or our blog.
If you want to reach out to us, please do so by filling in the contact form. Also, do follow our blog for daily updates and make sure to follow us on our Facebook page for the daily awareness campaign.
The Emerald Heights International School 