Cancer Society educates the public during October the Breast Cancer Month

31 October 2020 12:47 am

October being the Breast Cancer Month the Public Education Committee of the Sri Lanka Cancer Society launched a Pink Ribbon Campaign as the Pink Ribbon is the symbol of Breast Cancer. The Committee displayed and sold pink ribbons and book marks, and posters were displayed at various supermarket outlets of Cargills and Keells, at Banks, and at various public gathering places, along with a leaflet on Breast Cancer on how to prevent, detect and act. A till is kept at every outlet as a Fund Raiser, as the Sri Lanka Cancer Society’s funds deplete fast due to the enormous amount of work the society does for marginalised Cancer patients in the country and on public education programmes.

 The Sri Lanka Cancer Society was established in 1948. Spanning 72 years of Indomitable service for Cancer care, it is the foremost voluntary Non-governmental, non-profitable organization in the country. It has world recognition and it is a member of the Union for International Cancer control (UICC) Geneva. The UICC unites and supports the Cancer community to reduce the global burden of Cancer and provides its members with enhanced opportunities to exchange knowledge and share solutions. We are also a member of NCD Alliance Lanka, Affiliated to the global NCD Alliance.   

The Sri Lanka Cancer Society was established in 1948. Spanning 72 years of Indomitable service for Cancer care, it is the foremost voluntary Non-governmental, non-profitable organization in the country

With regard to Cancer control, the Public Education Committee of the Cancer Society plays a vital role. Its objective is to create awareness and educate the public on Cancer. Knowledge is the central component of Cancer control. In this respect the Sri Lanka Cancer Society works in partnership with AIA Insurance.  

Among number of services, the Society operates the Shantha Sevana Hospice established in 1996 as a rest home offering free palliative care to terminally ill Cancer patients.  

Established in 1962, its Homes provide care and nursing for cancer patients who come from distant places for Radio and Chemotherapy and to attend Hematology Clinics daily at the Apeksha Hospital.  

For relief and rehabilitation Rs 2000.00 per month is given to 100 outstation patients who are in need of financial help. A monthly Hamper of Milk Powder, Sugar, Dhal, Tea Leaves Marmite and a packet of Lunch, a yoghurt and a bun for 25 patients who live around Colombo, plus a monthly grant of Rs.1300.00. Sinhala New Year is celebrated by distributing a hamper, Rs.3000.00 and gifts. Christmas too is celebrated with a hamper, cash and gifts. A death donation of Rs 5000.00 is given to patients who are registered on our grants list. Public Education costs a large sum of money as programs are conducted across the country, which require printing of material and purchase of gifts as incentives. Public Education has inaugurated an Op Shop to raise funds. It is run entirely with donations given by generous public. It serves as a forum to create awareness and educate the public on Cancer too.