In an inspiring gathering that brought hope to many, approximately 20 cancer survivors recently shared their powerful journeys of overcoming oral cancer during a special event organized by Manipal Hospital in Mukundapur, Kolkata. The Saturday meeting served as both a support group and awareness campaign, highlighting the critical importance of timely medical intervention, emotional resilience, and strong family support systems in battling the disease.
Personal Triumphs Against Oral Cancer
The event featured moving accounts from survivors including Madhumita Chattopadhyay, Sandip Dasgupta, and Abhishek Mallik, who detailed their challenging paths from diagnosis to recovery. Their stories underscored a common theme: early detection dramatically improves survival chances.
Madhumita Chattopadhyay, a 51-year-old resident of Dakshineswar, initially mistook her symptoms for dental problems. "I first experienced tongue pain while eating last year," she recalled. Her discomfort gradually intensified until it became excruciating by December, leading to the diagnosis of a tongue ulcer that had developed into cancer. Following her diagnosis, Chattopadhyay underwent an intensive treatment regimen including 30 radiation sessions and reconstructive surgery at a private hospital near Bypass.
"Doctors assured me that my cancer could be cured because we caught it at stage II," she shared. "The constant support from my oncologists and family members gave me the courage to endure the challenging treatment process." Today, she has successfully returned to her normal life and resumed her position in the accounts section of Calcutta University.
Timely Intervention Saves Lives
Sandip Dasgupta, a 46-year-old from Madhyamgram popularly known as 'Polao Kaku,' faced multiple challenges during his cancer journey. Having lost his engineering job during the pandemic, he had turned to selling polao and meat from a roadside cart when he received his oral cancer diagnosis last year.
"The medical team first administered chemotherapy followed by surgery," Dasgupta explained. His timely approach to treatment yielded remarkable results. "Today, I can drive, swim, and handle household work normally. The key was seeking medical intervention without delay."
Adding to the chorus of recovery stories, Abhishek Mallik, a 39-year-old from Diamond Harbour who battled tongue cancer in 2017, emphasized the crucial role of lifestyle changes. "Immediately stopping tobacco consumption combined with prompt medical support can effectively ward off the cancer threat," he stated. "Based on my personal experience, I can confidently vouch for this approach."
Expert Insights on Oral Cancer Treatment
Medical professionals present at the event outlined current treatment protocols and stressed the life-saving importance of early detection. According to oncology experts, surgery remains the primary treatment for oral cancer, with early-stage cases often requiring only surgical intervention for complete cure.
Sourav Dutta, a senior oncologist surgeon at the hospital, revealed alarming statistics about India's oral cancer burden. "Our country continues to face an extremely high incidence of oral and head & neck cancers, with over 2 lakh new cases identified annually," he reported. "Approximately 65%-70% of these patients are regular users of tobacco or tobacco-based products."
Dutta highlighted the encouraging success rates when cancer is detected early. "Oral cancer is completely curable when diagnosed in initial stages, with treatment success rates exceeding 75%-80% for early-stage disease. This makes paying timely attention to symptoms and seeking immediate medical consultation absolutely vital."
On the technological advancements in cancer treatment, Harsh Dhar, a senior consultant of surgical oncology at the hospital, discussed reconstruction techniques. "Most of our patients require complex surgical ablation and reconstruction. Microvascular free flaps represent among the most advanced and reliable reconstructive methods used in oral and head and neck cancer surgeries," he explained. "Successful reconstruction significantly enhances a cancer survivor's quality of life following treatment."
The gathering not only celebrated survival but also served as a powerful reminder that oral cancer, when detected early and treated promptly, can be overcome with determination, medical support, and strong personal networks.
