About Malabar Cancer Care Society
Malabar Cancer Care Society (MCCS) is a committed non-governmental organization dedicated to creating awareness, facilitating early detection, providing treatment guidance, relief, and rehabilitation support to cancer patients and compassionate palliative care. Since its inception in 1989, MCCS has been working tirelessly to spread its message and has already reached out to 13.9 million people in the region. MCCS is the Nodal agency of Govt. of Kerala for Cancer control and a Collaborating Centre of World Health Organisation-IARC.
What acted as a trigger for his anticancer initiatives was a tragic incident in 1989 at Chavassery where Mr.Pai was working as a Manager. A young man of the locality committed suicide when diagnosed with stage one cancer of tongue which was eminently curable even in those days. Sparked by this incident Mr. Pai founded the Organisation under the banner of ‘Cancer Eradication Programme Committe. Later evolved into the Malabar Cancer Care Society (MCCS), when its base was shifted to Kannur in 1993, with a noble mission of giving support, awareness and help in moments of life threatening and life changing ailments such as cancer by empowering community.
The pioneer activity of MCCS was a comprehensive awareness generation, screening, and detection camp in Chavassery village, organized in collaboration with Dr.KrishnanNair of Regional Cancer Centre and Prof. Dr. Babu Mathew of RCC. The idea for a comprehensive cancer control programme suggested by RCC was meticulously planned and implemented in 1989-90 as conceived by Pai and his voluntary team. It turned out to be a resounding success. In 1991, the abstract presented on the program received recognition and praise at the Kerala State Science Congress. The program’s success also led to recognition from the World Health Organization (WHO), which praised the Kerala model as a cost-effective and successful intervention for developing countries for effective cancer control.
RCC heavily depended on Mr. Pai for organizing Chavassery model camps across Kerala and good number of programmes were successfully undertaken with the support of MCCS under the leadership of Mr.Pai, under Dr.Krishnan Nair’s guidance and support. He was invited to attend intensive training programs and WHO workshops from 1990-1996. Mr. Pai acquired knowledge and experience to hone his skills for the never-say-die fight against cancer.
A significant milestone was achieved in 1994 with the historic CANFAIR ALL INDIA EXHIBITION spearheaded by MCCS, held for 65 days, which netted a sum of Rs 10 lakhs in addition to the cancer awareness generation among 10 lakhs rural population. Late Rev Mother Teresa launched the Kannur District Comprehensive Cancer Control Programme (KDCCP) of MCCS in Kannur in the year 1994.
In 1995, a full-fledged Early Cancer Detection Centre was established in Kannur, marking the beginning of various innovative cancer care initiatives under Mr. Pai’s leadership and Dr.Krishnan Nair’s guidance. MCCS has empowered communities and enhanced lives through its unparalleled initiatives in comprehensive cancer care. Through various innovative cancer care interventions from grass root awareness leading to survivors rehabilitation to ensure quality life and enhanced longevity. MCCS has reached out to 13.9 million people over 36 years, providing relief and solace to hundreds of poor and downtrodden village populations as envisaged by Mother Teresa in her prayer during the launch of MCCS’s Kannur District CCCP in 1994
Our History
MCCS was founded by Shri. D. Krishnanadha Pai, who was inspired by a vision of a better world with less misery and suffering. The organization's true journey began with a seminar on cancer organized by Mr Pai under the banner of JAYCEES in the year 1986, with the involvement of the Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum. Later sparked by suicide of a young man due to the fear of cancer diagnosed in very early stage, Mr Pai founded Malabar Cancer Care Society in 1989 with initial name as Cancer Eradication Programme Committee and later converted as MCCS.
Our Mission
Our mission is to wage a comprehensive battle against the cancer menace through public education, health activism, prevention, early diagnosis, facilitating proper and timely treatment, meticulous follow-up, life quality enhancement of cancer survivors, and compassionate palliative support for those in need, through community-based initiatives and collaborative partnerships.
Our Strength
The strength of MCCS lies in its committed, sincere, and selfless members, representing the cream of society, including Doctors, CAs, Bank officials, Government officials, Businessmen, teachers and volunteers.
Our Activities
MCCS has conceived and successfully implemented various Unique Projects and initiatives over the years, including
- Comprehensive Cancer Control Programme.
Launched in 1989 in Chavassey, this project has covered 150 Panchayats, 13 Municipalities, and 5 Corporations, identifying 4595 cases in the early stage.
- Early Cancer Detection Centre
Established in 1995, the Centre offers comprehensive early cancer detection services, particularly focused on accessible area cancers.
- MCCS’s Intensive Cervical Cancer Control initiatives
Since 1998 MCCS has been working to eliminate cervical cancer through regular women’s awareness drives, village-level camps, and onsite treatment of cervical pre-cancer lesions at camp itself and regular follow up
- Oral Cancer Control Programme
Implemented since 1997, this program aims to prevent, detect, and educate the community about oral cancer.
- Bi-monthly Follow-up
For cancer survivors and cancer patients: Started in 1998, this Clinic provides follow-up services to persons from Kasargod, Kannur, Calicut, and Wayanad Districts.
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Funded Malabar Cancer Control Programme (MCCP):
Implemented from 1998-2003, this project aimed to conduct cancer screening camps in one taluk each in Kannur, Kasargod, and Wayanad districts This Project was successfully implemented by achieving the targets and objectives as reviewed and evaluated by UNFPA team
- Pain and Palliative Care Clinic
Started in 1998, these Clinics provide solace to terminal-stage cancer patients, offering free services and medicines at the door step through home care services.
- WHO/IARC Collaboration
Inkedin in 2002, this collaboration introduced the VIA-VILI method for detecting cervical cancer, which was implemented in Kannur, Kasargod, Wayanad, Malappuram and Calicut districts. The intensive screening camps coupled with awareness facilitated substantial reduction in cases as well as mortality in the Region.
- Telemedicine for cancer care
Started in 2001, pioneer intervention in Kerala, provides cost-effective telemedicine services to cancer patients in the Malabar region. The Teleconsultation unit of Malabar Cancer Care Society was showcased in India Pavilion as India’s achievement in IT sector at World IT Summit held at Tunisia in 2006.
- Friends for cancer care (FORCE)
Initiated in 2004 and officially launched in 2006, this project aims to provide rehabilitation support to cancer survivors, offering counselling, financial support, and yoga training along with regular review follow up services of specialised Doctors and yearly executive health check-ups -all free of cost.
- Sanjeevani Mobile Tele Onconet Project
Sanjeevani Mobile Tele Onconet Project Started in 2010.This Mobile specialty hospital with diagnostic facilities provides solace to hundreds of village populations in the poor strata of society.
- The Breast Cancer Brigade Project
Launched in 2016. This project aims to detect breast cancer in its early stages, With the help of trained women Brigade. Celebrity Ambassador Ms Manju Warrier and CSR support from various corporates
- Free Breast Clinic
Free breast clinics at MCCS Early Cancer Detection Center, Kannur, Ashraya Hospital, Mattannur and Sabha Hospital, Payyannur provide crucial support to women, especially as these services are free of cost and promote early detection. Many women benefited from this initiative, gaining access to timely care and lifesaving information.
- Lymphoedema Clinic
Malabar Cancer Care Society offers specialized Lymphoedema care, particularly beneficial for patients undergoing post-operative recovery, especially women who have undergone breast cancer surgery. Our advanced LymphaPress machine provides significant relief for patients experiencing swelling in the arms or legs, improving their overall quality of life.
- Research Collaboration with WHO/IARC
MCCS is currently involved in a Research Project to evaluate the effectiveness of a portable ultrasound device in early breast cancer detection.
- Canfair Exhibitions
MCCS has been organizing CANFAIR exhibitions since 1994, which serve as a platform for raising funds and also in creating awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment options.
- Anti Tobacco Campaign
The Malabar Cancer Centre Society (MCCS) launched its Anti-Tobacco Drive in 1989 during the Chavassery Village level CCCP at the grass root and has remained steadfast in its mission ever since. Kannur, historically recognized as the citadel of the bidi industry, was home to the prominent Dinesh Bidi Company. At its peak, the industry supported the livelihoods of approximately 1.75 lakh people. Through relentless grassroots efforts, house-to-house awareness campaigns and personal outreach, MCCS succeeded in sparking a dramatic shift in public perception. These efforts played a pivotal role in dismantling the bidi industry’s stronghold in the region. In 2009, MCCS undertook a new challenge, advocating for tobacco-free environments within Kerala’s prison system. After five years of persistent efforts and sustained dialogue with the government, a landmark decision was made. In 2014, the Kerala government officially banned smoking in all state prisons, making Kerala the first region in the world to implement such a prohibition. This historic move set a precedent, later inspiring other Indian states and countries across the globe to adopt similar measures. Due to the persistent efforts of MCCS volunteers in the field coupled with intensive campaign the tobacco incidence is brought down by 85% in the Region. Of course, thanks to regulation too, for which we were campaining relentlessly.
- Other Campaign
MCCS is in the forefront in the PINK MONTH – Breast Cancer Awareness Drive being initiated with awareness programmes and Screening and detection camps on all days in October for last 8 years reaching out to thousands of families empowering to fight Breast cancer to detect early and to treat on time. Hand in hand with World Health Organisation, MCCS is in the limelight in the W H O MISSION for Elimination of cervical cancer by 2030 .Since 17th Nov 2020 THE CERVICAL CANCER ELIMINATION Day is being observed with various programmes including screening camps, awareness classes and promotion of HPV Vaccination. In addition to its flagship anti-tobacco initiatives, the Malabar Cancer Centre Society (MCCS) is actively engaged in a series of health awareness campaigns throughout the year, aiming to promote preventive health practices and community well-being. Observance of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, World Cancer Day, International Women’s Day, World No Tobacco Day, International Yoga Day and National Cancer Awareness Day annually. Each of these observances is dedicated to raising awareness, promoting early detection, and encouraging healthier lifestyles among the public.
- Internship, Visit & Friendship Programme for Students
MCCS provides avenues for students to gain practical exposure through internships and observerships. These experiences are designed to offer insights into various interdisciplinary approach to early cancer detection activities and rehabilitation management.
- Cancer Helpline
