Doctors from the Mangalore Institute of Oncology (MIO) are visiting schools and spreading cancer awareness among teachers. Dr. Suresh Rao, the director, and Dr. Shrinath Baliga, the in-charge of research and senior radiobiologist at MIO, led a team of doctors who conducted a study and observed a rise in breast cancer cases in the region. Based on their findings, they took the decision to spread cancer awareness among teachers.

Dr Baliga explained the awareness is about habit or Lifestyle related cancers. He said-

"Due to the sedentary lifestyle, there is a rise in the number of Cancer cases. Breast cancer cases are also increasing. Women as young as 24 are being diagnosed with breast cancer. In the past women above 55 years of age had breast cancer, these days, we are seeing cases in the age group of 35 to 55. We have also seen how a family gets affected when a woman is diagnosed with cancer. Hence, we are reaching out to teachers and sensitizing them. From January, 40 schools have been covered and we will be reaching out to adolescents, spreading awareness. The aim is to ensure Children's Day away from tobacco and related products. Information is provided about the symptoms and importance of screening."

MIO held a study titled 'Cancer Education on Wheels' (CEW). A paper on this study was published in the Journal of Cancer Education's latest edition.

This study was conducted in the city of Mangalore, Udipi suburb and also Honnavar and Sirsi districts of Uttara Kannada.

The results of the study showed 58.6% of people who participated in the study did not know anyone suffering from cancer. Meanwhile, 59.5% of people knew about cancer and its symptoms. The study was conducted between 2015 to 2018. It successfully raised awareness about Cancer symptoms and the importance of screening tests at affordable prices.