Observing World Cancer Day and spreading awareness on this year’s theme ‘closing the care gap’ at Manipal Hospital Goa, noted Goan singer Hema Sardesai appealed to the medical fraternity, scientists and audience to research into the reasons that cause cancer. “As a person who has experienced closely the mental pain of seeing a near and dear one suffer from cancer, I feel it’s time we need to find out why cancer happens. Is it the lifestyle, diet, food, stress that increases the chances of getting cancer? Is it a spiritual curse? If there are alternative medicines that can cure cancer then let us include them in the hospital treatments. Our sole aim should be to save the patient in whichever way possible,” appealed the singer who was present as the chief guest on the occasion.
Offering her support to relieve the pain and suffering of humanity, Sardesai asked, “Why do we see immunity levels falling down? And why aren’t there enough studies to find out if medicines create residue in the body and make the cells weak, so that the body cannot fight cancer? Is it fear of the cancer that kills us even before the disease could take its toll? Are there more gentle ways that doctors worldwide can follow, to not tell the patient on face that he has cancer? Because then, he gives up. Instead, can we discuss the disease with relatives? Our ultimate goal should be to save the patient from untimely death.”
The singer offered her support to Manipal Hospital and NGOs working for the cause of cancer, in creating awareness among schools, colleges and community on how to increase our happiness index, stay joyful and stress-free. “Let us together spread so much positivity that negative elements like cancer are eliminated not only from Goa and India but the entire world,” appealed Sardesai, expressing her commitment to the cause of wiping out cancer.
While sharing her testimony as a member of NGO Muskaan, Prashanti Talpankar, associate professor at DMC College and a cancer survivor herself, stressed on the fact that cancer is not the end of life. “I am a proud cancer survivor and let’s talk about our positivity. As the onus of identifying our cancer lies on us, let us know our body and be in touch with our soul. We need to deal with the disease undoing the stigma attached to it,” said Talpankar.
Pointing out that with the availability of good medicines, and a support system, the survival rate is higher in Goa, the cancer warrior advised, “We must embrace positivity and change our approach to life. The patient should not be neglected or over-protected. Empathy instead of sympathy should be our way of looking at him. Bring laughter and humour in your life and learn to protect your bodies naturally.”
A Tobacco Cessation Centre (TCC) was inaugurated at the hands of Hema Sardesai at Manipal Hospital. The centre will work towards prevention of causes that lead to cancer. “Causes like smoking, alcohol, obesity, late marriages, no children, no breast feeding etc are some of the causes of cancer. Also, children at a young age should be educated on the causes of tobacco and persuaded to stay away from it,” said Dr Shekhar Sardesai, president of National Organisation for Tobacco Eradication (NOTE) and chief of the oncology department at Manipal Hospitals Goa. The TCC is a joint venture of NOTE and the hospital.
Indian Medical Association (IMA) Goa chapter president Dr Rufino Monteiro briefed on the journey of Goa Cancer Society and it’s tie up with the Manipal Hospitals Goa that is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, expert cancer team and multi-modality treatments under one roof. Dr Monteiro also stated that IMA is trying to break the myths, misinformation and misunderstanding regarding cancer and bridge the gap between the availability of treatment and patients.
Dr Gunjan Baijal, consultant at radiation oncology spoke on the theme of the World Cancer Day. “We have to focus on reducing the distance between cancer patients and care. Goa is lucky in one way, as most of the cancer treatment cost is borne by the government while our hospital is offering all specialities under one roof so that the patient does not have to run from pillar to post. However, the schemes need to be upgraded periodically, adding extra treatments to be subsidised,” said Dr Baijal.
An audio visual carrying message by eminent doctors in Goa was played. Some of the in-house cancer warriors were appreciated on the occasion. Anushka, representative of NGO Sanjeevani “ Life beyond Cancer was also present on the occasion. A memento was handed over to Hema Sardesai by Manish Trivedi, director at Manipal Hospitals Goa who gave the welcome address initially. Medical superintendent Dr Aditya Gosawi proposed a vote of thanks.
Tips to cancer patients
Do not panicky
Learn about your cancer
Take the treatment
Listen to your doctor
Follow a regular routine of exercise, medicines, check-ups
Be positive, stay joyful
- Prashanti Talpankar, cancer survivor, Goa
