Goa Church to set up state’s first cancer support network, experts to help patients

PANAJI: The first-of-its-kind cancer support network in the state will focus largely on cancer prevention, combating misinformation on treatment options and providing support. An initiative of the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman, under the aegis of Caritas Goa, the network will also have oncologists, surgeons, NGOs and civil society groups on board to provide information and support.

The network will also hold awareness sessions in schools under its ‘CanSurvive’ campaign, the main focus of which will include adoption of cancer prevention lifestyles, cancer management assistance through local communities, providing information on leading a healthy lifestyle, providing counselling and support, palliative care information and resource mobilisation for needy cancer patients.

Caritas India has found that there is a lot of misinformation on treatment options and this is where ‘CanSurvive’ will intervene and suggest appropriate options so that people do not fall prey to quacks.

In an attempt to arrest the number of cancer cases detected in Goa, the network will lay emphasis on sensitising people on leading a healthy lifestyle. Those with cancer history in the family will be encouraged to examine themselves at reputed screening centres.

Caritas India had initiated and managed a similar meaningful campaign across Kerala by involving Catholic dioceses in the state.

In Goa, the campaign will be launched by archbishop patriarch Filipe Neri Ferrao in the presence of director Caritas India Fr Paul Moonjely, other religious and medical officials and dignitaries, at the St Joseph Vaz Spiritual Renewal Centre in Old Goa. Noted oncologist Dr Ian Pinto will address participants.