Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals Celebrates Life with Cancer Survivors

'Celebrating Life’ Event organised to bring together cancer patients who survived because of their never-say-die spirit

Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals organised an event, ‘Celebrating Life’, to commemorate ‘Cancer Survivor’s Day’. More than 50 cancer patients attended the event held at the hospital premises. ‘Celebrating Life’ acknowledged the never-say-die spirit of cancer patients who have survived the disease against all odds.

Dr Harsh Dua, Sr Consultant Oncology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals said, “Due to the latest advances in cancer research, cancer is looked upon without dread just like any other disease. We want the society to realise this fact and integrate this positive approach towards life in interactions with cancer patients, thereby improving the mental, physical and qualitative aspects of patients’ lives.”

Living with cancer has a number of important aspects. The disease affects the finances, relationships, emotional state and even the daily routine of patients. Despite all this, it’s not necessary that everyone who gets cancer will die from it. There are many people with cancer who have undergone treatment successfully. For such patients, their cancer is an ongoing health problem that can be controlled by strictly following the treatment regimen.

During the two-hour long event, patients spoke about their single-minded journey from despair to hope after their cancer was diagnosed. As a wave of spreading positivity, a Hasya Kavi Sammelan was organised where noted humourist Surinder Sharma and others participated. All the cancer survivors were felicitated for their irrepressible passion for life that ensured they did not lose hope. Highlighting the magic that science has performed in the field of oncology or cancer treatment, a magic show was also part of the event.

Dr Rohit Nayyar, Sr Consultant Surgical Oncology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals said: “When a patient’s cancer has been overcome, the person can revert to a normal routine. The patient would then only need to follow the lifestyle or dietary guidelines outlined by the doctor. In all other ways, the person can simply enjoy life as enthusiastically as before.”

All oncologists at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals emphasised that life after cancer diagnosis can be equally vibrant and joyous, if patients choose to make it so. Cancer, they reiterated, was not a full stop but simply a comma on the long journey of life.

EH News Bureau