CAN-STOP(cancer support therapy to overcome pain) has completed 13 years. We take this opportunity to share with you about our special Community Out-Reach Programme. This was started as a fitting tribute to Dr.S.Rangarajan who established Sundaram Medical Foundation in 1994 and contributed to plan its expansion till he succumbed with cancer in June 1997.

CAN-STOP basic goal is to help people learn more about dealing with Cancer and cancer related problems. It is a Centre for counseling (information, advice, consolation, listening) for cancer-affected patients, their families, and friends. Library facilities and programme for the whole family is being made available. CAN-STOP also organizes group discussion, with various therapy sessions, laughter, music and humor for patients and their families. We plan to house a library of books on cancer and relevant topics.

We are working on a continuous basis with 70 children (with cancer) at the department of Hematology, Institute of child health and children's Hospital, Egmore. 150 women with cervical cancer from the Govt. Hospital for women and children and with cancer patients at the Government General Hospital and Royapettah Government Hospital, Chennai. In all these hospitals the patients come from very low socio-economic background. Medications if available are given free but government funds are limited.

CAN-STOP, a Centre for counseling information advice, consolation and listening for not only to the patients but also to their families and friends.

We reach the public through the Helpline:

• Opinions from our panel of Doctors
• Referral service
• Home visits
• Counselling

Basic Goals:

• Help learn about cancer related problems
• Counselling Centre for the patients, their families and friends
• Library facilities
• Special therapy programme

Support Group:

• Puts you in touch with similar experience
• Mutual support and education
• All services are offered free of charge