Cancer more mental than physical: Survivors

Bengaluru: "‘Why me?’ was the first thought that crossed my mind when I was diagnosed with cancer," said 60-year-old Vandana Ramane, a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed with breast cancer some 6 years ago.

"After that I was put on medication, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and I have completely come out of it," says Vandana, for whom this disease turned out to be a message from God on life and the problems it puts forth.

"I realized there are no problems, only challenges in life and all one needs is a positive bent of mind. I am completely cured of the disease and also the mental block about cancer," adds Vandana.

Even though the incidence of cancer is increasing in the city, which has the highest number of female cancer patients, hope soars among survivors with their share of inspiring stories.

"In the battle with cancer, there is little place for self-pity. Time is a crucial factor in determining the success of the battle . Early diagnosis makes cancer not only treatable but also curable," says Kamal Peter, another cancer survivor.

Last year, government-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology witnessed 248,000 cancer cases, of which, according to hospital authorities, 50% of the advanced cases have been successfully treated.

"At Kidwai we see around twenty thousand new registered cases every year and up to 2.5 lakh follow-ups. All over, the burden of oral, cervical and breast cancer constitutes more than 50% of total cancer cases," informs Dr M Vijaya Kumar, Director, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology (KMIO).

Dr Kumar adds that awareness should begin at the school and college level, as that is the source from where it can reach every household. “People should know that it is not only curable but also preventable if diagnosed on time and this message should reach every household so that they realize there is nothing to fear,” sums up Dr Kumar.

Another cancer survivor, Amar Bhaskar, who was lucky enough to catch and diagnose it early says, “About eight years ago in 2006, I was diagnosed with tongue cancer, which started as a persistent boil on the tongue which was painful.

Luckily it was diagnosed early and through radiation and medicines I was cured ." But sadly, for Amar it was the recurrence of the deadly disease that left him devastated.

“I was shattered that I had to go through it again, but the battle against cancer is a life-changing experience and proper and timely diagnosis along with planned treatments are essential,” he adds.