Over 500 Students Join MGM Cancer Institute’s Fun-Filled Cancer Awareness Carnival

Chennai, January 31, 2025: Over 500 students from various schools and colleges in the city took part in ‘Beat Fear with Fun’, a two-day, fun-filled cancer awareness programme organised by MGM Cancer Institute, as part of its second anniversary and World Cancer Day 2025. The two-day event was inaugurated by Dr M A Raja, Senior Consultant-Medical Oncology, Director, Oncology Services, MGM Cancer Institute.

The primary objective of the event was to educate students and the public about cancer, its risk factors, prevention, and the importance of early detection. Through engaging activities, the event dispelled myths, encouraged proactive health measures, and instilled confidence in young minds about facing health challenges fearlessly. The event also honoured brave cancer survivors, and paid tribute to the dedicated oncologists and healthcare professionals. The event will be open to the public on January 31 and February 1, 2025.

Dr. Urjitha Rajagopalan, Director at MGM Healthcare, said, “As we celebrate two years of MGM Cancer Institute’s unwavering fight against the fear of cancer, we believe that awareness should not be intimidating—it should be empowering. With our ‘Beat Fear with Fun’ health and wellness carnival, we are transforming cancer awareness into an engaging, uplifting experience. Through interactive activities like magic shows, colouring stations, and immersive video booths, we want to make cancer awareness accessible and enjoyable, especially for young minds. A fearless future begins with knowledge, and we are committed to inspiring confidence, breaking myths, and ensuring that awareness is a celebration of life.”

In his comments, Dr M A Raja, Senior Consultant-Medical Oncology, Director, Oncology Services, MGM Cancer Institute, said, “In 2022, approximately 20 million new cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide, with projections indicating this number could reach 35 million by 2050. In India, the situation is equally concerning, with over 1.4 million new cases reported in the same year. Despite these challenges, advancements in early detection, precision medicine, and innovative therapies have significantly improved survival rates, offering hope to millions. We are happy that our institute has made tremendous strides in screening and successfully treating hundreds of cancer patients using the latest technology, coupled with personalized care and treatment plans. However, medical institutions can only do so much. To truly reduce the cancer burden, individuals must take charge of their health and embrace a healthy lifestyle.”

One of the key attractions at the carnival was the video display zone, where students and visitors had the opportunity to learn about cancer, its various types, common symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures through engaging visuals. Tutors from the hospital were present to explain the content in detail and clarify any doubts. The event also featured interactive sessions, led by healthcare professionals, focused on providing practical guidelines to improve overall health and reduce cancer risks.

A unique and fun-filled activity at the carnival was the ‘Hope of Ring’ feature, where visitors could test their knowledge of health-boosting items. The setup included a table with various objects, some promoting good health while others posed potential risks. Participants were challenged to toss a ring onto the healthy items. Those who successfully landed the ring on the right items were rewarded with exciting prizes.

MGM Cancer Institute also issued a personalised health passport to visitors, which carried essential health data such as height, weight, BMI, and blood pressure, all measured at the event. This innovative passport serves as a personal health record, allowing individuals to track their wellness journey. It also includes a 21-day lifestyle calendar, where passport holders can log their healthy eating habits, regular exercise, water intake, and sleep hours.

Students actively participated at the colour station, where they painted coloring sheets designed around various cancer awareness themes. These colorful creations were proudly displayed on the ‘Wall of Hope’. The participants also had the chance to test their newfound knowledge with interactive quizzes, including crosswords, fill-in-the-blanks, and multiple-choice questions. The carnival featured a photo booth, allowing visitors to capture memories while promoting awareness in a fun and engaging way.

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