When P. Gnansundari was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008, she was a widow and a mother of two children. “I was initially told I had only six months to live. There was only one thought in my mind and that was of my children,” she said.
Ms. Gnansundari was one of several patients who spoke about their battles with cancer at the annual reunion day of the Cancer Institute, Adyar on Saturday. Up until then, Ms. Gnansundari said, she never knew of the existence of the Cancer Institute.
“When I got there, I was already at a late stage. But I was given hope. After three months, I went home and every time I came back for a check-up, it was like going to my mother's home — I was full of happiness,” she said, thanking all the doctors and staff who treated her.
Another patient who had had breast cancer spoke about how everyone discouraged her from going back to work after her treatment. “They told me to opt for voluntary retirement. But a doctor here told me to continue just as I had been before I got cancer. I worked for three more years and even got a promotion. My message to everyone here is: cancer is preventable and curable,” she said.
That was the message doctors stressed at the event, saying that patients could lead normal lives after treatment.
“People usually dread entering cancer hospitals. The disease instils fear. But we want to convey this strong message: that it is preventable and curable,” said E. Hemant Raj, vice-chairman of the Institute.
India sees 10 lakh new cases of cancer every year, and this number is set to rise, said T.G. Sagar, director of the Institute.
“Tobacco is one of the main culprits,” he said, adding that lifestyle changes could help prevent other cancers too.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, chairperson of the Institute, V. Shanta said that the reason this programme was so important was that there were improvements every year.
Dr. Shanta also said more corporates had to help out.
