Cancer Survivor Meet at Manipal Hospitals, EM Bypass to Raise Awareness About Mouth and Throat Cancer
News Agency, Kolkata: Manipal Hospitals EM Bypass, a part of Manipal Hospitals Group, one of India’s largest healthcare chains, is organising a special Cancer Survivor Meet to raise awareness about oral and head and neck cancer. Nearly one-third of all cancer patients in India are affected by oral and head and neck cancer, the main cause of which is the widespread use of tobacco and tobacco products. In addition, regular alcohol consumption significantly increases the risk of oral cancer. Although this type of cancer is usually more common in men, in recent years, the disease has been increasing at an alarming rate among women as well.
Renowned film director and actor Shivprasad Mukherjee was present as the chief guest at the event, along with senior oncologists from Manipal Hospitals EM Bypass. Cancer survivors shared their stories of struggle, moments of overcoming fear, and their experiences of returning to normal life with renewed vigor.
The main treatment for oral cancer is surgery. In early stages (Early Oral Cancer), most cases do not require additional treatment after surgery. However, patients with stage 3 and 4 require radiation therapy after surgery and in some cases chemotherapy.
Dr. Saurabh Dutta, Director - Manipal Oncology, Senior Consultant - Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Mukundapur and Broadway said, “The burden of oral cavity and head and neck cancer is still very high in India, with more than 2 lakh new patients diagnosed every year. About 65-70% of them are users of tobacco or tobacco products. However, if detected at an early stage, oral cancer is completely curable - the success rate at this stage is more than 75-80%. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the symptoms on time and seek medical advice promptly.”
Dr. Harsh Dhar, Senior Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass and Broadway said, “Most of our patients come to the hospital at late or advanced stages, requiring complex surgery and reconstruction. Microvascular free flap is now one of the most advanced and reliable reconstruction methods used in oral cavity and head and neck cancer surgery. Through very delicate microsurgery, tissue is harvested from another part of the patient’s body, transplanted to the affected area and reconnected with the blood vessels. As a result, not only the structure of the face is restored, but the patient also regains important functions like speaking, chewing and swallowing normally. Successful reconstruction can significantly improve the quality of life of a cancer survivor after treatment.”
Highlighting the importance of timely diagnosis, another expert present at the event, Dr. Kingshuk Chatterjee, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass and Broadway said, “In most cases, patients whose cancer is detected at an early stage can be successfully treated through surgery alone. Radiation or chemotherapy is not required. As a result, the patient has a very good quality of life and can return to normal life quickly.”
Dr. Sinjini Das, Consultant – Plastic, Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, said, “In oral cancer surgery, parts of the cheek, tongue or jaw are often removed, which naturally creates fear in the patients about whether they will be able to speak or eat or drink as before. But with modern reconstructive technology, we can reconstruct these parts very precisely, so that patients can gradually return to normal speech, eating and daily activities. Reconstructive surgery is an integral part of oral cancer treatment today. In most of our patients, microvascular free flaps are used. In the last four years, our department has performed more than 800 free flap surgeries, of which about 650 were for oral cancer patients.”
The highlight of the event was Shivprasad Mukherjee, whose popular film Kantho depicted the struggle of a laryngeal cancer survivor, learning to speak anew after having his larynx removed, and regaining his confidence in a very realistic and sensitive way. His portrayal not only inspired the audience but also played a significant role in dispelling the fear, discomfort and misconceptions surrounding mouth and throat cancer in the society. Therefore, his presence at the event was deeply significant.
All the cancer survivors present at the event shared their experiences of overcoming their fears, how important the right advice from doctors was, how mental strength and family support stood by them during difficult times, and finally how they were able to return to a healthy and normal life today.