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Addressing the Rising Cancer Burden in Tirunelveli and Beyond
As we observe World Cancer Day under the theme “United by Unique,” it is crucial to understand the current landscape of cancer incidence in India, Tamil Nadu, and Tirunelveli. This theme highlights the importance of personalized, compassionate care, ensuring that every individual’s journey shapes our collective fight against cancer.

Rising Cancer Incidence: A Call for Action

Cancer in India
In 2022, India recorded an estimated 1,461,427 new cancer cases, with a crude incidence rate of 100.4 per 100,000 individuals. Projections indicate a 27.7% increase in cancer cases from 2015 to 2025, underscoring the urgent need for early detection and improved access to treatment.

Cancer in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has witnessed a steady increase in cancer cases over the past decade. The number of new cases rose from 53,022 in 2012 to 77,138 in 2018, with a projected 88,750 cases in 2022. This upward trend highlights the growing burden on healthcare systems and the need for enhanced screening and treatment facilities.

Nellai Cancer Care Center: A Decade of Impact
Since its inception in 2011, Nellai Cancer Care Center has been dedicated to cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and palliative care in and around Tirunelveli. The center’s primary goal is to reduce preventable cancers, enhance survival rates, and provide accessible, state-of-the-art treatment, especially in remote areas.

Over the years, the center has conducted:

• 2,547 screening camps, reaching 71,208 individuals
• 3135 awareness camps, sensitizing 2.5 lakh people across villages

With a team of highly qualified oncologists, gynecologists, medical officers, and supportive staff trained at prestigious institutions like Adyar Cancer Institute, the center ensures quality care in a compassionate and supportive environment.

Break the Silence, Embrace the Fight
However, despite these efforts, many individuals hesitate to seek further diagnosis or treatment due to stigma, lack of awareness, and misconceptions such as “I feel fine, so why should I get screened?”

Additionally, nearly 50% of cancer patients from Tirunelveli travel outside the district for treatment, seeking better facilities. The district lacks a charity-based cancer hospital apart from government institutions, leading to:

• Long waiting times in neighboring districts
• Language barriers
• Increased out-of-pocket expenses for patients and their families
• Away from home for a long time

Bridging the Gap: A Comprehensive Cancer Hospital in Tirunelveli
To address these challenges, Nellai Cancer Care Center is transitioning into a comprehensive cancer hospital, equipped with advanced treatment facilities, in a phased manner.

The new facility is being established in Sengulam, 20 minutes from Tirunelveli along the National Highway, ensuring accessibility for villages across Tirunelveli and neighboring districts like Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, and Tuticorin.

The hospital’s first phase is set to be inaugurated on October 2, 2025, marking a significant step toward improving cancer care accessibility for the region.

United by Unique: A Commitment to People-Centered Cancer Care
As we mark World Cancer Day, the “United by Unique” theme reminds us that behind every diagnosis is a personal story—of resilience, healing, and hope. By focusing on people-centered cancer care, Nellai Cancer Care Center remains committed to early detection, advanced treatment, and compassionate support for every patient.

Through continued awareness, screening, and improved healthcare infrastructure, we can work together to create a future where every individual receives the care they need, when they need it, close to home.

Nellai Cancer Hospital

For further information, please contact: Dr. E. Vidhubala, 94442 74700

Download the Tamil Version PDF

27^th Anandha Deepavali Celebrations in Chennai and Sivakasi

October 27, 2024

Udhavum Ullangal’s Public Charitable Trust (UUPCT) celebrated its 27th annual Anandha Deepavali today, bringing warmth and joy to 1,027 children from 11 orphanages and homes across Tamil Nadu. The vibrant event, held in the spirit of giving and compassion, spread festive cheer to hundreds of orphaned children, including those with disabilities.

The day’s celebrations were rooted in the true spirit of Deepavali, lighting up the lives of children who often miss out on the joys of the festival season. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of committed volunteers and generous sponsors, the children enjoyed dance, music, cultural performances, and delicious meals. They also received new clothing of their choice and firecrackers, filling their day with laughter and happiness.

“Our goal with Anandha Deepavali has always been to make this festival of lights a time of genuine joy and togetherness for every child, especially those without families to celebrate with. Anandha Deepavali gave birth to Udhavum Ullangal’s and continues to bring energy to the organization,” shared Sankar Mahadevan, Founder-Trustee of UUPCT.

Mr. Lakshmi Narayanan, former Vice Chairman and CEO of Cognizant Technology Solutions, a dedicated supporter of UUPCT’s cancer care initiatives and one of the first donors for the Nellai Cancer Hospital project, shared heartfelt words: “I am truly happy to celebrate Anandha Deepavali with these wonderful children. Like every adult in the room, I feel a responsibility to help them build a bright future. They are going to make us all very proud.”

We thank our guests Mr. Rahul Bhatia, Managing Director, Accenture, Mrs. Sree Malini Sangeneni, Director of Journal Operations at RELX Group, Mr. M. Krishnamoorthy, Principal Consultant at eNoah, Ms. Rukmini Thiagarajan, Director-CFO, Chennai One IT SEZ, Mr. Selvakumar Rajendran, Partner / Chief Delivery Officer at EY India, Ms. Sangeetha Ravikumar, Manager, World Bank Group of Finance & Accounting, Mr. Raj Raghavan, CHR, CoreStack, a global multi-cloud governance provider and Mr. Sukumar, CEO, TVS Supply Chain Solutions for gracing the occasion.

In Sivakasi, Anandha Deepavali celebrations brought together 200 children, whom we mentored in the last year, to celebrate the spirit of the festival on October 20, 2024.

The celebration was graced by Chief Guest, Mr. Murali, Senior Vice President of Operations at Sripathi Paper and Boards Pvt Ltd, along with distinguished guests Mr. G. M. Srinivasan, Vice President of Administration, and Dr. P. K. Balamurugan, Principal of Sri Kaliswari College (Autonomous), Sivakasi.

“Anandha Deepavali is more than a charity event—it’s a family gathering that brings joy to everyone involved,” said Santhanam, Trustee of UUPCT. For everyone at UUPCT, Anandha Deepavali is a collective commitment to nurturing hope and creating brighter tomorrows.

Mentorship Program, November 2024

The team organized games and held talent show competitions and other interactive sessions for school students. Certificates and prizes were awarded to children who actively participated and won in the games. Children expressed a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about participating in these activities.

During the one-on-one mentorship session, exam results were discussed with the student and their overall academic performance. Constructive feedback and support was provided to students by mentors.

The RELX team conducts a mentorship program for our students in Sivakasi, once every two months. Their active involvement encourages students to not only excel academically but also in their public speaking and communication skills.

August Month Newsletter 2024

The day began with a Knowledge Sharing session when students delivered their prepared speeches, solved riddles, and shared their achievements.

This was followed by a motivation session by Mr. Dinesh Kumar, a government school student from rural Sivakasi. Despite facing significant struggles in his life, including the loss of his father four years ago and his mother just before his 12th-grade exams, he emerged as a school topper. He is now attending one of the top engineering colleges in Chennai on a full-merit scholarship. Mr. Kumar’s success story served as a powerful motivational example for all our students. UU has supported him in his education journey with a new laptop and has assured him of ongoing support and collaboration.

A special session on psychological counselling was conducted by Mrs. Nalini Kannan, M.Sc., M.Phil., and PGDip from Vergal Trust. She specializes in mental health and emotional wellness for children. She addressed different age groups—13 to 15, 16 to 18, and 19 and above—with relevant topics for each group. Additionally, a separate session was held for our mentors. Her session was an eye-opener for both our students and mentors.

First-year college students participated in goal-setting and communication development sessions, while second and final-year students engaged in personality development and career counselling sessions.

We honoured Mr. Elango, who sponsored the laptop for Dinesh, and Mrs. Nalini Kannan, the chief guest, by presenting them with handcrafted photo frames made by women from our Skill Development Centres.

We thank all the donors, mentors, volunteers, and supporters who supported the mentoring session.

Colposcopy Workshop at Nellai Cancer Care Centre

On 11th August 2024, a comprehensive Colposcopy Workshop was at Nellai Cancer Care Centre, featuring Dr. Ramani Rajendran, MD DGO, from Chennai, as our esteemed guest speaker.

A #colposcope is a crucial tool in the early detection of premalignant and malignant lesions in the cervix and vagina. It is used to examine areas following positive cervical screening tests closely.

Early detection allows us to treat premalignant lesions before they progress to #cancer, making this procedure an important step.

The workshop covered all aspects of #cervicalscreening and triaging, concluding with a live demonstration of cases. The program was beneficial to all participants and all highly appreciated Dr. Ramani Rajendran’s insightful deliberation.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ramani and everyone who participated in making this workshop successful!

Together, we continue to fight against #cervicalcancer.

Skill Development Training Centres

Certificate Distribution Function

Sundays are often about rest, relaxation, and resetting. But last Sunday, we felt inspired and energized as we listened to powerful stories of transformation.

Three hundred students from our four skill development centres gathered in colour and style to pick up their certificates after six months of rigorous training in basic computer skills, beautician courses, and tailoring.

These women, with their stories of grit, commitment, and hard-earned success, are truly inspiring. They are a testament to the power of skill training, practice, and discipline.

We wish each of them the very best as they step out into the world to build their own identities.

A heartfelt thank you to @uw.chennai and @Accenture for empowering these women to dream, hope, and redefine their futures.