PANAJI
Aimed at educating people on timely medical intervention to detect and defeat Cancer and to make awareness on the subject, Manipal Hospitals Goa launched ‘I Can Sir’ campaign.
The campaign was unveiled by Dr Suresh B Shetye, vice president of Goa Cancer Society along with Dr Shekhar Salkar, HOD Oncology, Manipal Hospitals Goa and medical superintendent Dr Madan Dang in the presence of cancer survivors. The programme was inaugurated by the traditional lighting of the lamp by cancer survivors who underwent treatment for cancer at he hospital.
On the occasion special cancer detection packages for men and women were announced.
Cancer survivors shared their journey of battle against cancer and life post-cancer. Special gifts were presented to honour the cancer survivors for their courage and positive attitude.
Dr Suresh B Shetye, Vice-president of Goa Cancer Society expressed his concern for millions who are gripped by this disease. Congratulating Manipal Hospitals for ‘I Can Sir’ campaign, Dr Shetye hoped that this will also help in removing fear and taboo associated with the disease. “I urge people to be more determined and positive in order to beat cancer. It is important to approach it with grit and positivity than doom and taboo,” he said, adding that he was happy Goa Cancer Society in association with Manipal Hospitals Goa has created this special cancer package.
Girish Bommakanti, unit head at Manipal Hospitals Goa, expressed his concern regarding the alarming statistics of cancer cases in India. “It is unfortunate that ignorance and denial often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. We see cases where most patients change doctors when asked to go in for a screening or biopsy,” he pointed out. Manipal Hospitals Goa offers an entire spectrum of oncology care - ranging from screening, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care and rehabilitation, he added.
Dr Shekhar Salkar, head of the department of oncology at Manipal Hospitals Goa, tried to burst the myths associated with cancer.
“There are a lot of myths associated with cancer, other than the fear of invasive treatment, disfigurement and financial burden. The ill-placed belief that a cancer patient will always die makes patients and their families refuse specialised and timely treatment. Early detection and treatment is the key, besides making simple lifestyle changes. Regular exercise, routine health checks, balanced meals and staying away from tobacco is the mantra to keep cancer at bay,” said Dr Salkar. Some of the cancer survivors shared their experiences too. “Life post-cancer has transformed me into a more positive person. Though the journey was tough and challenging, I overcame my fear and I know that cancer can be treated. You must have faith in the doctor and also the treatment,” said a survivor.
On the occasion, survivors took the ‘I Can Sir’ pledge to fight cancer and pledged to create awareness among public on timely medical intervention to detect and defeat the disease.
