A cancer awareness programme at Nazrul Tirtha recently brought to the fore cancer survivors who shared their journey of overcoming the disease and stressed on the need to stay alert for early detection.
The event was organised by We For All, a social service organisation and HCG EKO Cancer Centre, near Biswa Bangla Gate.
Highland Woods resident Madhumita Gongopadhyay said she first noticed discomfort in her breast in 2006, after which she sought medical advice. Tests revealed stage one cancer.
“I underwent my first surgery for a small lump, but further complications required a second procedure. I needed four rounds of chemotherapy and a month of radiotherapy. Post-treatment my periods, which had stopped, started again and this raised concerns about the disease spreading to the uterus. So I got another operation,” said Gongopadhyay, a music teacher.
“Back in the day, facilities weren’t as advanced and many patients were reluctant to go under the knife. They would opt for monthly injections, which was difficult and costly,” said the lady, stressing the need to maintain a positive mindset through the treatment. “It’s a tough phase, but distractions and positivity are crucial. I had music by my side,” she said.
Aban Saha, a resident of New Town’s CE Block, recounted his experience with papillary cancer last year. “I received the diagnosis on the day of Rakhi,” he said. “While it was a shock, I felt confident thanks to the support of my sister and friends, who are all doctors. I underwent surgery on September 19 and returned to work in 10 days,” said Saha.
He underscored the importance of awareness. “I had a lump in my throat for three to four years, but ignored it. By the time it got diagnosed, it had progressed to an intermediate-high risk stage and spread outside the thyroid to the lymph nodes,” Saha said. “It also helps to stay occupied with work and other activities at such times. A strong support system and, most importantly, health insurance are invaluable.”
The event also saw music, dance, skits, karate displays and motivational speeches.
Debashis Sen, former managing director of Hidco, said was happy to see the response and shared how New Town was becoming a better place with improved medical facilities. “Recently I met a friend after years and got to know that he is also a cancer survivor. With proper treatment, he is now leading a normal life. Previously people used to travel to Chennai or Mumbai to get better treatment but now New Town has quite a few super specialty hospitals and cancer hospitals,” he said.
“Our organisation started in 2017under the inspiration of Annapurna Sanyal, herself a cancer survivor,” said Kalyan Chakraborty, president, We For All. “We work in the education and healthcare sector and are trying to spread awareness so cancer can be treated timely. Early detection reduces risk.”
A 15km cyclothon was also held early in the morning from the Clock Tower to Akankha More via HCGEKO Cancer Centre and back and a medical camp was organised at Nazrul Tirtha.
“Cancer is on the rise and West Bengal has one of the highest number of patients in India. This is why so many relevant hospitals are coming up here with the best facilities. According to reports, it is seen about5,000 of every 1 lakh people are being diagnosed with cancer in this state. Among women, breast cancer is most common and among males, it is prostate, oral and lung cancer. The key to treating this disease is early detection as that helps to get the best treatment,” said Dr Amarjeet Singh CEO,HCG EKO Cancer Centre.