Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency, Kolkata: Reinforcing the message that cancer is a chapter, not the end of the story, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, a unit of one of the largest healthcare providers of India – Manipal Hospital Group organised “Celebrating Cancer Warriors”, a heartfelt survivors’ meet, in the presence of Dr. Shubhayu Banerjee, Advisor & Consultant – Advisor, Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, Senior Consultant-GI Oncology, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, along with other eminent oncologists and clinicians from the hospital. The event brought together cancer survivors, caregivers, doctors, and members of the community to honour resilience, recovery, and the triumph of the human spirit.
Cancer continues to be one of the leading health challenges globally and in India, with millions of new cases reported every year. However, advancements in early diagnosis, precision treatment, and multidisciplinary care have significantly improved survival rates and quality of life. Platforms like Cancer Survivors Meets play a crucial role in breaking fear, spreading awareness, and offering emotional reassurance, demonstrating that cancer is no longer a life-ending diagnosis, but a manageable and often curable condition when detected and treated in time.
The event also provided a meaningful platform for cancer survivors to share their journeys of courage and determination. Many spoke about how cancer did not stop them from following their passions, hobbies, and goals. By showcasing talents such as painting, photography, and other creative pursuits, they highlighted their strength and resilience, inspiring patients currently undergoing treatment with a message of hope that life can continue with purpose and positivity beyond cancer.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shubhayu Banerjee, Advisor, Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, Senior Consultant-GI Oncology, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, said, “Cancer today is no longer a taboo or a condition shrouded in fear. With medical advancements and timely intervention, many cancers are curable, and the life expectancy and quality of life of survivors are increasing day by day. Survivors’ meets like these remind patients that life after cancer can be fulfilling, meaningful, and empowering.”
Mr. Dilip Kumar Roy, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, added, “At Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, we are committed to delivering the best in comprehensive cancer care through advanced technology, expert clinicians, and a patient-first approach. Our focus extends beyond treatment to long-term survivorship, emotional well-being, and community awareness.”
While sharing his experience, Pranav Sarkar, a 68-year-old male patient, shared, “I don’t call myself a cancer patient anymore, because I have been healthy for the past six years. I underwent prostate surgery in 2020, and fortunately, my condition was treated successfully without the need for chemotherapy or radiation. Today, my PSA reports are normal, and my doctors are happy with my progress. This journey taught me the importance of early detection. I strongly believe that every man above 50 should undergo a PSA test once a year, as prostate-related problems are common and can be effectively managed when diagnosed early.”
Abhishek Nandy (name changed), a 14-year-old patient, shared, “I am Abhishek Nandy (name changed), and I was diagnosed with a tumour in my leg at the age of 14, which was later confirmed to be cancer. After undergoing initial treatment elsewhere, my family was told that my condition was very critical. We then came here, where Dr. Ashutosh Daga took over my treatment. For an entire year, I received dedicated care, constant support, and hope during one of the most difficult phases of my life. My family and I are deeply grateful for the compassion and commitment shown throughout my journey.”
Through initiatives such as “Celebrating Cancer Warriors”, Manipal Hospital Dhakuria continues to foster awareness, compassion, and confidence—ensuring that every cancer patient receives not just advanced treatment, but enduring support and hope. The event was attended by leading specialists including Dr Bastab Ghosh, Consultant – Urology; Dr Ashutosh Daga, Consultant – Medical Oncology; Dr Shreya Bhattacharya, Consultant – Head and Neck Surgery/Oncology; Dr Sagnik Ray, Consultant – Surgical Oncologist; Dr Jasashwi Chakraborty, Consultant – Hematology; Dr Paromita Roy, Consultant – Gynaecologic Oncologist; and Dr Anirban Halder, Consultant – Radiation Oncology. The programme was further strengthened by the virtual presence of Dr Soumen Basu, Senior Consultant – Radiation Oncology, and Dr Tanmoy Kumar Mondal, Consultant – Medical Oncology, reaffirming the hospital’s multidisciplinary and patient-centric approach to comprehensive cancer care.