Cancer Awareness Survey Reaches 30 Paddy Field Workers: MIO and Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust Take Early Detection to the Farm

A cancer awareness survey was conducted among 30 agricultural labourers engaged in paddy cutting and hay separation under the aegis of Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust and Mangalore Institute of Oncology. The initiative aimed to assess the level of awareness among farm workers regarding cancer risk factors, early warning signs, and occupational health hazards commonly faced in agricultural work, particularly in rural settings.

The Survey and Awareness Session

The survey was carried out by Raghavendra, who also led an interactive awareness session for the workers. The session focused on cancer prevention, early detection, and the importance of seeking timely medical consultation. Special emphasis was placed on lifestyle-related risk factors such as tobacco use, prolonged sun exposure, and the health impact of regular contact with agricultural chemicals including pesticides and fertilizers.

Dr. D. Suresh Rao on Health Awareness in Farm Communities

Addressing the gathering, Dr. D. Suresh Rao, Director of Mangalore Institute of Oncology and Managing Trustee of Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust, highlighted the significant lack of health awareness among agricultural workers. He noted that inadequate safety practices, especially the non-use of protective equipment while handling chemicals and during fieldwork, places farm labourers at a higher risk of cancer and other chronic illnesses. Dr. Rao stressed the need for regular health education programs, adoption of basic safety protocols, and periodic cancer screening initiatives in rural and agricultural communities to reduce preventable cancer burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was a cancer awareness survey held among paddy field workers? Mangalore Institute of Oncology and Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust wanted to understand how much farm workers know about cancer risk factors, early warning signs and the hazards of agricultural work, so that future health education can reach them better.

Who conducted the survey? The survey and the interactive awareness session were led by Raghavendra, with Dr. D. Suresh Rao, Director of Mangalore Institute of Oncology and Managing Trustee of Sanjeevini Cancer Seva Trust, addressing the workers.

What risk factors were discussed with the workers? The session covered tobacco use, prolonged sun exposure, and regular contact with agricultural chemicals such as pesticides and fertilizers.

What did Dr. D. Suresh Rao recommend for farming communities? He called for regular health education programmes, basic safety practices such as using protective equipment, and periodic cancer screening in rural and agricultural communities.

How can farming communities connect with MIO for awareness programmes or screening guidance? Call the MIO Cancer Helpline on 8050636777 and the outreach team will guide you.

Cancer Helpline: 8050636777

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