Cancer Survivors Share Stories of Hope and Resilience in Lucknow
When Vishal Mehrotra, a 47-year-old former banker from Kanpur, stood up to speak at a special awareness programme in Lucknow, his voice remained calm despite recounting four years of intense struggle. Diagnosed with colorectal cancer at the age of 43, Vishal described how the disease completely upended his life while simultaneously teaching him invaluable lessons in patience, self-care, and the profound importance of family bonds.
Transforming Trauma into Triumph
"Cancer changed my body, but it did not break my spirit. It gave me a second life," Vishal declared emphatically. He urged fellow patients to maintain hope and place their trust in both medical treatment and their own inner strength. His powerful testimony was part of the UMANG event organized by Apollo Hospital on the eve of World Cancer Day, which brought together survivors from diverse age groups and backgrounds to share personal narratives of fear, struggle, and ultimate survival.
Diverse Journeys of Recovery
Another survivor, Willam, who had been a long-time tobacco user, spoke candidly about his battle with tongue cancer. As a socially active individual, he initially worried about facial scars and potential loss of identity. However, he expressed immense gratitude toward his doctors, revealing that the cancer was successfully removed leaving only a minimal 1cm scar on his chest. "Seeking the right treatment at the right time saved both my life and dignity," Willam stated, strongly advising people to quit tobacco and never ignore early symptoms.
Heart-Wrenching Pediatric Stories
The event was marked by particularly emotional moments when parents shared the harrowing experiences of their children fighting cancer. Adivik Agrawal's parents from Ashiana recalled the shock of witnessing their three-year-old battle ITP (Immune thrombocytopenic purpura), an autoimmune bleeding disorder. Similarly, Shreyash Koshal's parents from Rae Bareli detailed their four-year-old son's courageous fight against blood cancer. The story of two-year-old Abdul Zain further moved the audience, highlighting the unique challenges associated with paediatric cancer.
Medical Insights and Prevention Strategies
Dr. Ayush Garg, a radiation oncologist at Apollo Hospital, emphasized that nearly 30-50% of cancers can be prevented through increased awareness, early detection, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He provided crucial statistics, noting that Uttar Pradesh reports approximately 2.1 lakh new cancer cases annually. Oral and tongue cancers are particularly common among men, while breast, cervical, and gallbladder cancers are frequently diagnosed in women.
Celebrating Survival and Spreading Hope
In a parallel programme at Medanta Hospital, over 40 survivors participated in insightful discussions before embarking on a motivational city tour aboard a UP Tourism double-decker bus. Visiting major landmarks, the survivors described the experience as uplifting and filled with hope. Throughout these events, medical experts consistently highlighted the critical importance of regular check-ups, healthy living, and emotional well-being in cancer care, while also debunking common myths surrounding the disease.
A Message of Optimism from Medical Leadership
Dr. Rakesh Kapoor, the medical director, delivered an encouraging message, asserting that cancer is no longer an incurable disease. He stressed that early diagnosis combined with appropriate treatment can significantly enhance both survival rates and quality of life, offering renewed hope to patients and their families across the region.
