Oral Cancer Awareness and Screening Camp for the Fisherman Community

Venue: Fisherman community, Injambakkam

Total No. of beneficiaries: 328

In continuation of its commitment to preventive oral healthcare and community outreach, the Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sree Balaji Dental College & Hospital, in association with the Indian Dental Association, organized an Oral Cancer Awareness and Screening Camp for the fisherman community at Injambakkam on 21st May 2026 under the theme “Safeguarding Smiles by the Shore.”

The outreach initiative was conducted with the objective of creating awareness regarding oral cancer and promoting the importance of early detection among coastal communities, where tobacco-related habits and limited access to routine healthcare often increase the risk of oral diseases. The program sought to encourage healthier lifestyle practices and emphasize the value of timely oral health screening.

A dedicated team of faculty members, postgraduate students, and interns from the Department of Public Health Dentistry carried out comprehensive oral examinations and screening procedures for the participants. During the camp, several individuals were identified with suspicious oral lesions and possible signs suggestive of oral cancer. The affected participants were provided with counseling regarding the seriousness of the condition and were advised to undergo further diagnostic evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Health education sessions were conducted to inform the community about the harmful effects of tobacco and areca nut consumption, common symptoms of oral cancer, and preventive oral healthcare measures. Educational pamphlets were distributed to strengthen awareness and encourage the adoption of healthier oral hygiene practices.

As part of the preventive healthcare initiative, toothbrushes and toothpaste kits were distributed to all attendees to promote daily oral hygiene maintenance. The camp witnessed active participation from the fisherman community and served as a valuable platform for delivering essential oral healthcare services directly to an underserved population.

The program successfully highlighted the importance of community-based oral cancer screening and reaffirmed the institution’s dedication toward improving public oral health through awareness, early identification, and preventive intervention.