Ghaziabad: To raise awareness and unite all to fight against the most deadly disease, cancer, Max Hospital Vaishali organised an event ‘Saathi 2018’ on Sunday. Over 200 cancer survivors took part in the event.

The highlights of the event featured participation of all the cancer survivors in Dance, soulful vocal musical performance, keyboard charisma and dazzling jazz along with the champions of the hospital.

“I’m pleased to know that Max Hospital Vaishali is sensitizing and spreading awareness about cancer and uniting all to fight against it. We are soon set to launch a dedicated cancer tower focusing on providing complete and comprehensive cancer care. While we focus on providing Quality Care & advanced treatment options; it’s equally important to spread the message of early detection as the symptoms get neglected & are diagnosed late. We also need to remove the myths & confusions regarding Cancer treatment prevailing in the society. With latest & Advanced treatment options available backed by strong support, it is possible to lead a better quality of life post cancer treatment” said Dr Gaurav Aggarwal, Unit Head, Max Hospital, Vaishali.

Many cancer survivors shared their journey and better quality of life post treatment to motivate the patients fighting against it. One of the patients who was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer motivated the family members to support the patients together to fight against all odds.

After being diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer that had spread across the abdomen, I was completely dejected and shattered. With the support of my family and the advancements in the cancer care treatment, the doctors at Max Hospital Vaishali surgically removed 4 litres of fluid and within 2 months of chemotherapy sessions, I feel completely fine. Over the years I have made steady progress and have a completely better quality of life. I am really thankful to the doctors and would also like to tell all of you that timely intervention helps in treating cancer and raises the chances of survival with good quality of life.” Said patient

According to the recent data recorded by ICMR, more than 4 lakh new cancer patients are recorded annually in India. Breast and ovarian cancer is the leading cause of mortality among Indian females and attributed to 15% of the total burden of cancer in India. There is a rise in more number of females at younger age (under 40 years). Oral cancer is the sixth leading cause of mortality worldwide and over 35% of them is contributed from India. The conversion rates of such fibrosis into cancer are over 10% and the condition becomes irreversible if left untreated.

“Most of the patients lack awareness about the advanced treatment options available to treat cancer. Max Hospital Vaishali has treated over 300 patients in the past 2 years and all of them are leading a better quality of life. Certain precautionary measures can avoid the risk of developing cancer by upto 70%. There are strong evidences that link the risk of all types of cancers with diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Certain dietary changes can curb down the risk of developing cancer. Avoiding diet high in saturated fats and consuming diet high in vegetables and fruits have possible evidences in reducing the risk of abdominal cancer. Masses should be educated about the risk factors and importance of early stage detection in managing such fatal cancers.” Said Dr Atul Goel, Director, Surgical Oncology, Max Hospital, Vaishali.

According to the recent data provided by Globacan 2018, India, there is a 3% rise in the number of new patients diagnosed with cancer, and the mortality rate was registered at 30% in 2018. Of the total prevalent cases in the last 5 years accounting for around 80000 patients, the mortality rate is attributed to around 40%. Lack of awareness is one of the factors, but with advancement in technology and certain lifestyle modifications the risk for developing any type of cancer and its mortality can be curbed down.