Cancer

Atabuddin Mondal,53 from Chakdaha, West Bengal has been suffering from Bronchogenic Carcinoma, and is now in a better form after going through chemotherapy cycles. He shares his experiences of handling the Big C. Please tell us about your condition. I have been suffering from Lung Cancer. When were you diagnosed? I was diagnosed on 25/02/2018 with Bronchogenic carcinoma,1st stage. What were the early symptoms? Being addicted to smoking, first came the change in voice and then I had a…

Nothing could be better than receiving valuable tips and strategies from cancer victors themselves to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life after breast cancer. We share key highlights and take-aways from the recently conducted webinar by PatientsEngage on Living Better After Breast Cancer. Diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be harsh physically and emotionally. But it is not the end. You can bounce back and restore a normal life again. There are many ways to move forward, stay…

Board certified Genetic Counselor Dr. Mansi Vishal talks about the scenarios where genetic counselling is beneficial and where its not necessary. A useful interview that helps us understand the role of genetics in cancer.   What is genetic counselling or genetic consultation? As per the standard definition by National Society of genetic Counselors (NSGC), Genetic counselling as a process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of…

Cancer is not a death sentence. And many people continue to live fulfilling lives after cancer. In our Live Discussion sessions we talk to eminent doctors and brave survivors for tips, vital information and motivation. In the first of the series on Living Better After Breast Cancer we have with us Director and Breast Cancer Specialist Dr. D.G. Vijay, HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad  Breast Cancer Survivor Nandita Muralidhar, Chennai   Breast Cancer Survivor Urvi Sabnis - Dave,…

Urvi Sabnis, 47 from Ahmedabad, India was diagnosed with 2nd stage breast cancer through a routine screening. However, she stayed focussed through the treatment and has emerged a more compassionate, grateful and fearless woman. Tell us about about yourself and your cancer history  The beginning of my story is rather mundane. A small town girl with big dreams. I made a name for myself as the rare female in the male dominated sphere of the corporate world. To round it off, I had a…

Pranab Basu has been a hands on caregiver for his wife, and has now devoted himself to helping and counselling people suffering from Cancer. He talks about the importance of counselling in Palliative Care. What is the role of Palliative Care? World Health Organization defines Palliative Care as "to prevent and relieve suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other related problems, physical, psychosocial and spiritual". The intrinsic value…

Rita Banik, founder of RACE to Rein in Cancer has been living with cancer for more than 12 years. She reflects on her journey, the ups and downs and what keeps her going as the fear of relapse stays in the mind forever. The milestones and key incidents that come to mind Detected the breast lump in March 2006 Going for FNAC test was the hardest First reaction of relatives was that I was going to die The trauma of losing a breast came almost after a year of surgery First realization of what I…

Cancer patients and their families go through stressful, fearful and anxious times of emotional upheaval.  Dancer and Actress Kamalika Guha Thakurta talks to PatientsEngage on how Artscape is using art, music and  dance therapy to support healing and psychological rehabilitation of cancer patients and their family caregivers. 1.   Tell us a little about Artscape. Artscape is a non-governmental organization established in 2015, which works in the area of mental wellness. We…

Anita Nanda, 58 who resides in Mauritius, battled breast cancer with a positive attitude, which was, of course, aided by the loving comfort of her family. She recalls those difficult days in this personal account. What was the emotion uppermost in your mind when you were diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2017 - Depression, anxiety, fear or something else? All of these. Oh my God! It can’t be happening to me…’ was obviously the first thought. Did you face emotional turmoil throughout, or…

The 2018 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to James P. Allison and Tasuku Honjo for discoveries that have led to new medicines that activate the immune system and drive it to fight cancers. These therapies can defeat even the deadliest malignancies. Two scientists, Professor James P Allison from the US and Professor Tasuku Honjo from Japan, who discovered how to fight cancer using the body's immune system have won the 2018 Nobel Prize for physiology or…