KOCHI, Kerala (Indian Catholic News) — A Caritas India campaign in Kerala is combining cancer awareness, lifestyle education, volunteer mobilisation and community support to address what experts describe as a growing public health challenge in India.
Launched in 2014 in Ernakulam district with seven partners and later expanded across Kerala, the Ashakiranam campaign seeks to reduce cancer risks through prevention, early detection and community engagement, according to the report Ashakiranam – New Way of Being Caritas.
The report says the initiative has spread to 21 partners covering hundreds of communities and reaching thousands of people through awareness programmes, volunteer networks, medical support and promotion of healthy food habits.
Growing cancer burden
The campaign emerged amid concerns about rising cancer cases in India and Kerala. Citing World Health Organization data, the report notes that “about 2.8 million cases of cancer are prevalent in India at any given point of time” and that 1.25 million new cases are diagnosed annually.
Fr. Paul Moonjely, assistant executive director of Caritas India, described the seriousness of the challenge in the report. “Cancer is a frightening word, it means a terminal disease with excruciating pain and the treatment, full of poisons, is often as horrific as the disease itself,” he wrote.
The report also cites WHO projections that cancer deaths in India could rise sharply by 2030 if preventive measures are not strengthened.
Caritas India Executive Director Fr. Frederick D’Souza said the campaign was designed as a response rooted in the Church’s ministry of service. “Ashakiranam is the new table, set by Caritas India for hundreds and thousands of poor people suffering from the pangs of Cancer in the state of Kerala,” he said.
Focus on prevention
A major component of the campaign centres on lifestyle changes and food choices, which health professionals contributing to the report identify as important factors in reducing cancer risks.
Dr. Thomas Varghese, an oncology surgeon, stressed the need for public education. “Change life styles before life demands: Cancer prevention starts in the kitchen,” he said in the report.
The report links increasing cancer rates to factors including obesity, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, pollution, chemical-intensive farming and processed foods. It promotes organic farming, home gardens and greater consumption of fruits and vegetables as part of a preventive strategy.
The campaign has encouraged backyard organic gardens and healthy food initiatives in communities, schools and colleges. According to the report, nearly 100,000 families have been involved in models promoting home-grown food.
Fighting stigma and supporting survivors
Beyond prevention, the campaign addresses the social stigma associated with cancer.
Dr. Gangadharan, a senior oncologist, wrote that many cancer patients experience isolation and discrimination even after treatment. “Patients treated for cancer are not cancer patients forever. They had disease, but once they are out of the disease, society should welcome them whole heartedly,” he said.
The report highlights survivor stories, including that of Omana Babu, who overcame uterine and ovarian cancer and later became a volunteer supporting other patients through home visits, palliative care and assistance in accessing government benefits.
Another survivor, Reetha, recovered from uterine cancer and subsequently dedicated herself to volunteer service through the campaign.
Building a movement
Volunteerism forms the backbone of Ashakiranam. The report states that 2,500 volunteers participated in one cluster in Ernakulam district alone, providing awareness-building activities and support services.
The initiative also brings together dioceses, medical institutions, educational organisations, media groups, businesses and community volunteers.
“Ashakiranam is revolving around the convergence of opportunities for communities, institutions and organizations to respond responsibly to this challenge in a more effective way,” the report states.
Looking ahead, Caritas India envisions Ashakiranam as a statewide solidarity movement. The report outlines plans to mobilise 10,000 volunteers and create “a cancer resilience society” through sustained awareness, behavioural change and community action.
The report concludes that cancer prevention, compassionate care and collective responsibility remain central to the campaign’s mission of supporting vulnerable people while promoting healthier communities.
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