Media Release 

Udupi, Feb 2: On the eve of World Cancer Day 2015, the departments of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Medical Oncology and Surgical Oncology of Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Manipal will organize a meeting of cancer survivors at 3.00pm on February 3 in the Conference Hall of the Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.

About 50 persons who have survived cancer are expected to participate in the meet. Dr H Vinod Bhat, Pro vice chancellor, Manipal University will inaugurate the function and will be the chief guest. Dr (Col) M Dayananda, medical superintendent and COO, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal will preside over the function. The focus of the meet is for those attending it to share their experiences.

“The treatment of cancer is difficult, intense, lengthy and also very expensive”, said Dr Donald Fernandes, head dept of Radiotherapy and Oncology Shirdi Sai Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal. “This day will for the survivors to recount those trying times and share the obstacles they overcame to win their battles against cancer”, he added.

It is also an opportunity for them to be reunited with doctors, nurses and other caregivers who saw them through one of the most challenging chapters in their lives. For most cancer survivors, the experience of living with cancer is life changing. It also may be a time during which they need extra support from friends, family, and the health professionals. 

The meet will also emphasize this year’s World Cancer Day 2015 theme – ‘Not beyond Us’. This will enable us to take a positive and proactive approach to the fight against cancer, highlighting that treatment solutions do exist across the continuum of cancer, and that the solutions to fight cancer are within our reach.