Event to sensitise ovarian cancer patients

New Delhi: To raise awareness about the most fatal cancer among females, Max Hospital organised an event in association with Sashakt foundation in a private school on Sunday. More than 500 ovarian cancer patients, survivors, and their family members were present.

Actor Rajeev Khandelwal made his presence to boost and motivate the ovarian cancer patients to fight against all odds, along with Dr Harit Chaturvedi, Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, Dr MeenuWalia and Megha Ahuja (Founder, Sashakt). 

Survivors shared their experience about the positives of their journey in fighting ovarian cancer and a better quality of life post-treatment, to induce hope for the present patients. A thematic dance performance by the school students was presented to the audience.

“In recent years there is an increase in the number of new ovarian cancer patients, due to improved life expectancy and growing population. Ovarian cancer is emerging as one of the most common malignancies which are affecting the Indian women. 

Apart from the family history of breast or ovarian cancer among first degree relatives (which accounts to 5%), with changes in lifestyle, 
increased sedentary habits and obesity, delayed or no pregnancy the incidences of ovarian cancer is on a gradual rise.” Said Dr. MeenuWalia, Director- Medical Oncology, Max Hospital, Patparganj.

"I have a personal interest in associating myself with Sashakt& doctors, in spreading awareness about ovarian cancer. This is because I lost my mother in 2017 to ovarian cancer. She was diagnosed with this type of cancer on a later stage. Although she is not with us anymore, I feel there has to be more awareness around this type of cancer. 

Hence, I am associating with community to make sure more and more people are aware of it," actor Rajeev Khandelwal said.

“I’m pleased to know that Max Hospital Vaishali & SASHAKT foundation, are partnering to sensitise& spread awareness about ovarian cancer. Max Hospital, Vaishali is launching a dedicated women cancer centre that will focus on providing comprehensive cancer care in women cancers like breast, ovarian, and other gynaecological cancers. 

While we focus on providing quality care & advanced treatment options; it’s equally important to spread the message of early detection, especially in ovarian cancer as the symptoms get neglected & are diagnosed late. We also need to remove the myths & confusions regarding cancer treatment prevailing in society. 

With latest &advance treatment options available backed by strong support of family members, women diagnosed with Ovarian cancer can lead quality life” said Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, VP- operations, Max Hospital Vaishali.

“At the age of 57 years I was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer and even upon recurrent chemotherapies, the symptoms didn’t subside. I was referred to Max hospital Vaishali and the complete investigation after a year revealed that stage four ovarian cancer had spread across the abdomen. 

I had lost all hopes and dejected. But with advancement in technology in treatment for cancer, doctors performed a surgery and removed around four litres of fluid, followed by few chemotherapy sessions. Over the years I have made steady progress and have a completely achieved better quality of life. 

I am really thankful to the doctors and would also like to tell all of you that timely intervention helps in treating cancer and raises the chances of survival with good quality of life.” said a patient.

According to the recent data provided by Globacan 2018, India, there is a 3% rise in the number of new patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and the mortality rate was registered at 30% in 2018. Of the total prevalent cases in the last 5 years, accounting for around 80000 patients, 24000 patients lost their lives due to ovarian cancer. 

Lack of awareness is one of the factors, but with advancement in technology and certain lifestyle modifications, the risk for developing ovarian cancer and its mortality can be curbed down.

“There are strong evidences that link the risk of ovarian cancer with diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Certain dietary changes can curb down the risk of developing ovarian cancer.