On 4th February 2025, YUVA India partnered with Jeevan Dhara to observe World Cancer Day, reinforcing the importance of awareness, early detection, and preventive measures against cancer. The event was held at Jeevan Dhara’s Indira Nagar, Cotton Green centre in Mumbai, where an interactive awareness session was conducted for parents and children.

Engaging with Families: A Collective Learning Experience

The session saw the participation of 12 parents and 20 children, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for open discussions about cancer. From YUVA India, Ms. Vanita Salunke and Mr. Vijay Powar represented the organisation, while from Jeevan Dhara, Mr. Ritesh (Teacher) and Ms. Vijaylaxmi (Centre In-Charge) actively contributed to the event.

Ms. Vanita led the session, dividing it into two segments – one for mothers and another for children. Each group was shown informative videos related to cancer, its causes, and its impact. The discussions following the videos aimed to gauge the participants’ existing knowledge about cancer, its risk factors, and lifestyle habits that contribute to the disease.

Awareness Through Interactive Discussions

The children responded enthusiastically, showcasing their awareness of health-related topics. The mothers, too, shared their perspectives on the causes of cancer and common risk factors, including the consumption of tobacco and unhealthy food habits. Ms. Vanita facilitated an engaging dialogue, encouraging mothers to reflect on their own habits and discuss the prevalence of tobacco usage in their households.

One of the crucial discussions revolved around the significance of regular health check-ups. Ms. Vanita stressed the importance of routine medical screenings such as mammography and PAP smear tests, urging the mothers to prioritise their health. By taking preventive measures and seeking timely medical interventions, they could ensure their well-being and detect potential health risks at an early stage.

The presentation also highlighted key facts from the videos and the PowerPoint presentation, including:

• Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, but early detection and prevention can significantly reduce risks.
• The most common treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.
• Family and societal support are crucial for cancer patients, as mental and emotional well-being play an essential role in recovery.
• Awareness about government support and medical aid schemes can help families manage treatment costs more effectively.

Guiding Children Towards Healthier Choices

The session also emphasised the importance of adopting a healthy lifestyle from a young age. Ms. Vanita educated the children about the dangers of consuming fast food and low-quality, chemically processed snacks. She encouraged them to make healthier food choices and resist the temptation of harmful food products that can pose long-term health risks.

The interactive discussions allowed the children to understand the importance of nutrition, physical activity, and avoiding harmful substances. They learned that a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains plays a key role in preventing several chronic diseases, including cancer. In addition, regular physical activity and staying away from tobacco and alcohol were highlighted as key preventive measures.

Another crucial point addressed was the role of environmental factors in cancer development. From the videos, the session incorporated discussions on how pollution, exposure to harmful chemicals, and an unhealthy lifestyle contribute to the increasing number of cancer cases. Parents were encouraged to ensure a cleaner and healthier home environment for their children by avoiding smoking indoors and opting for organic food products whenever possible.

A Step Towards a Cancer-Free Future

The World Cancer Day session at Jeevan Dhara was an enriching experience for all involved. By fostering open conversations and spreading awareness, the event successfully educated both parents and children on the importance of cancer prevention, early detection, and lifestyle modifications.

As the session concluded, there was a palpable sense of responsibility among the participants. A mother, with tears in her eyes, shared how she had lost a loved one to cancer due to a lack of early diagnosis. Another child, determined and aware, promised never to touch junk food again after learning how harmful chemicals are used in processed food. Moments like these remind us why awareness initiatives are not just educational but truly life-changing.

YUVA India remains committed to such initiatives, continuing its efforts to raise awareness and empower communities with knowledge that can save lives. As we move forward, let us all take responsibility for our health and work towards a future free from the burden of cancer.

Key Takeaways from the Session:

• Early detection through screenings such as mammography and PAP smear tests can save lives.
• Lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet and physical activity, play a crucial role in cancer prevention.
• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol significantly reduces the risk of cancer.
• Raising awareness and educating children about healthy habits from a young age is essential.
• Government schemes and support networks are available to assist families dealing with cancer treatment.

Through such awareness sessions, we hope to make a lasting impact and create a healthier, cancer-free society. Every small step towards prevention today can save countless lives tomorrow.

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YUVA India extends its gratitude to Jeevan Dhara for their collaboration and to all participants who made this event a meaningful step towards a healthier community.