“Don’t be afraid; I defeated cancer, and you will too…”

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

“I too had cancer, but I was not afraid. I did face some difficulties, but I took timely treatment and today I have defeated cancer. Just like me, you too will defeat cancer. Do not be afraid, do not lose hope, and take treatment in time,” said an eight-year-old child, spreading confidence among patients. The occasion was a programme organised on Wednesday at the Government Cancer Hospital (State Cancer Institute) to mark world cancer day.

During the awareness programme, three child patients who had successfully overcome cancer interacted with patients and their relatives. While sharing their journey from diagnosis to treatment, the children also expressed gratitude towards the hospital doctors. The event also featured an interactive session titled ‘your questions, our answers’, during which doctors addressed the doubts of those present.

The programme was attended by dean Dr Shivaji Sukre, officer on special duty Dr Arvind Gaikwad, medical superintendent Dr Darpan Jakkal, head of radiation oncology Dr Balaji Shewalkar, head of cancer surgery Dr Anagha Varudkar, head of paediatric oncology Dr Aditi Lingayat, head of gynaecological oncology Dr Archana Rathod, along with Dr Prabhakar Jirvankar, Dr Ajay Boralkar, Dr Hrishikesh Khadilkar, Dr Anjali Vasdikar, Dr Bhakti Kalyankar and others.

Is cancer contagious?

Participants raised several questions during the programme, including “What is life like after cancer?”, “What are the symptoms of cancer?”, “What should be the diet of a cancer patient?”, “Is cancer contagious?”, and “What are PET scans and biopsies?”. Doctors provided detailed answers to all queries.

Participation by a foreign national

A foreign national also took part in the programme and asked, “What should be done to prevent cancer?” Experts responded with appropriate guidance.

Photo caption

A cancer-free child speaking at the programme organised at the Government Cancer Hospital, in the presence of Dr Prabhakar Jirvankar, Dr Arvind Gaikwad, Dr Shivaji Sukre and others.