Pune, Feb 18 : Recently, Manipal Hospital in Baner held a special felicitation ceremony on World Cancer Day to honour cancer survivors and celebrate their stories of recovery and resilience. About 25–30 survivors participated in the programme, openly sharing their journeys of courage, the challenges faced during treatment, and how they gradually regained confidence and returned to their routine lives.
The event brought together survivors, oncologists, and hospital leadership to emphasise that cancer treatment today goes beyond managing the disease. It focuses on rehabilitation, restoring quality of life, and supporting patients in reintegrating into society with confidence. Survivors expressed freely about their experiences with radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and immunotherapy. They also discussed how prompt diagnosis, all-encompassing treatment, and family support were essential to their recovery.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amit Parasnis, Head of the Department & Consultant – Surgical Oncology & Surgery, Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune, said,
“World Cancer Day reminds us of the importance of awareness and early treatment. The theme for this year, “United by Unique,” highlights the fact that each cancer patient needs a personalized treatment that places equal emphasis on treatment, rehabilitation, and assisting patients in returning to their regular lives. After undergoing immunotherapy, radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery, many survivors are now enjoying active lives. It was heartening to witness survivors candidly discuss their stories, since this lessens stigma and reaffirms that anybody can be impacted by cancer and that those who are affected should be treated with compassion, decency, and support.”
Mr. Anand Mote, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune, said,
“The most powerful tools in the battle against cancer are still awareness and early detection. Changing the way society views cancer is also important; survivors should be supported and encouraged to resume their regular lives, and the disease should not be stigmatized. The purpose of this felicitation ceremony was to acknowledge the resilience of survivors and to encourage others to seek prompt medical attention and keep a good attitude during their treatment and recuperation.”
The event was attended by Dr. Amit Parasnis, Head of the Department & Consultant – Surgical Oncology & Surgery; Dr. Karan Chanchlani, Consultant – Radiation Oncology; Dr. Lakhan Kashyap, Consultant – Medical Oncology; Dr. Rahul Wagh, Consultant – Onco Surgeon, and Mr. Anand Mote, Cluster Director, Manipal Hospital, Baner, Pune. During the programme, doctors interacted with attendees and spoke about the importance of cancer awareness, early detection, and addressing the stigma often associated with the disease.
The event concluded with the recognition of survivors and an interactive session in which patients and doctors discussed coping mechanisms, lifestyle modifications, and the significance of regular follow-up treatment.
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