While the world has been undergoing a severe upheaval in the last 3 years owing to the pandemic, a few of us have seen more life shaking incidents than others.
I always thought cancer was a distant concept, a dreaded C-word from afar. Until it entered my inner circle. First it was a good friend, later a cousin and finally, my mother was diagnosed of breast cancer. It was devastating and dreadful to see my loved ones facing one of the toughest battles of their lives. But the highest level of panic gripped me on hearing that my mother was at stage 3 of this deadly disease. Slowly, I gathered my calm and courage to keep her motivated through the crisis.
With appropriate and timely medical advice and procedures, my mother showed signs of recovery. The initial horror, panic and anguish soon metamorphosed into courage and an indomitable and positive spirit to fight and survive. While the family and loved ones rallied with support, it was an eye-opening journey for all of us.
A cancer survivor is someone who has been diagnosed with cancer and has survived the life-threatening disease. The shock of being diagnosed with one of the deadliest diseases in the world, undergoing long spells of treatment which may include surgical procedures, radiation therapies having severe side-effects in many cases, are enough to demoralise a patient. The harrowing time spent by the patient and their family can lead to emotional damage and can affect the mental health and stability of many.
National Cancer Survivors Day is observed on June 4 to celebrate those who emerge victorious from the disease. Their sheer willpower, positivity and efforts make their lives success stories that bring a fresh lease of hope to those who are still fighting the monstrous disease.
Soulveda enlists 5 reasons why Cancer Survivors Day is important in India, especially since this day brings tremendous hope and calls for celebration of those who have beaten the disease and dived back into living inspirational lives.
Cancer has now firmly entrenched itself in India amongst the most life-threatening ailments with 1 in 10 people predicted to develop cancer in their lifetime. All is not lost though. The 5 year survival for stage 1,2,3 is nearly 100% whereas for stage 4, it is 47.7%.
An early detection coupled with right therapy can lead to complete recovery for many patients – this is the message and awareness that Cancer Survivors Day generates.
Cancer affects people from all strata – whether affluent or from an economically weak background, educated or uneducated, this disease can spread its tentacles anywhere. Raising right awareness about the treatment and recovery process brings a ray of hope and encouragement to those who are diagnosed with it and undergoing treatment. Celebrating these survivors help in keeping them upbeat and encouraged and send a strong message to others, that if they have beaten this disease, others also can!
The Office for National Statistics in the UK recently announced that the survival rate for patients with cancer is higher if detected at an early stage, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis. Awareness of the disease and its treatment thus becomes crucial.
Cancer Survivors Day in India is an annual observance held on June 4th to celebrate and honor those who have successfully battled cancer and emerged victorious from the life-threatening disease. It serves as a day of hope and inspiration for cancer patients and their families.
Cancer Survivors Day is crucial in India due to several reasons. It helps raise awareness about cancer, its treatment, and the importance of early detection.
Cancer Survivors Day generates support for cancer patients through various events, talks, and campaigns.
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