Care for cancer

A first-of-its-kind blood cancer and related disorders survivors meeting titled ‘Life beyond fear’ was organised by Care Hospital, Banjara Hills as part of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Awareness month on Sunday. The meeting aimed at creating awareness and confidence about treatment and living a quality life.

Dr B Soma Raju, Chairman Care Group of Hospitals and Dr Sonali Sadawarte, Consultant Haemato Oncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician appreciated the courage of brave cancer survivors and boosted the morale of blood cancer patients who are undergoing treatment. Survivors shared their experience, responded to questions from patients, and celebrated the occasion by singing and dancing and participating in an interesting quiz.

Citing the example of one of the cancer survivors present at the programme, 65-year-old Ramulu, who is leading a normal life after successfully combating Acute Myeloid Leukaemia, Dr Raju said that he is a true inspiration for cancer patients with a strong message that the disease can be treated and one can lead a normal life post that.

“In the past cancer was dreaded by everyone, but in the recent years cancer Care has made rapid strides with new treatments and techniques to treat cancer. However, the key to cancer treatment is early diagnosis, which makes cancer treatment easy. Today most of the cancers can be is a significant progress and has been possible because of early diagnosis,” Dr Raju said and advised people to go for regular annual check-ups after 40 years of age.

Dr Sadawarte said, “Generally the word cancer itself creates a sense of fear and everyone thinks that it is the end of the world. Blood cancer was always perceived as a death sentence. The main purpose of this meeting is to remove that fear. This meeting is first of its kind done to create awareness among patients and public regarding the blood cancers. There are newer drugs available with lesser side effects that conventional chemotherapy and are within the reach of general public.”

“There is strong need for patient's and family counselling during treatment. A lot depends on the proper understanding about the process by patient and family so that there will be less apprehension and anxiety. A positive attitude and confidence always add to the benefit of drug treatment. There is always an advantage if patients and families share their experiences in a positive way with the other patients undergoing treatment. This will help in getting rid of their fears and help in boosting confidence,” she said.