FDA approves first use of novel immune system drug for cancer

On World Photography Day, we share how photography has provided therapeutic benefit to cancer patients of all ages, helped increased self esteem and self confidence and stimulated emotions and intellect of the visually impaired.  Geetha Paniker, a breast cancer survivor, shares her views on how various forms of creating art, and even photography, can heal both the mind and the body. I truly believe that photography is an incredibly powerful therapy to heal oneself. It is a passion that…

Rima Roy is a young woman of 22 and suffers from a rare condition of Giant Cell Tumors in the Sacram. She shares the emotional toll the diagnosis took on her and how she has come to terms with this rare condition. Describe yourself, Rima I am a warrior in the battlefield of rare disease since I was 19 When were you diagnosed? 19/04/2016. X-ray of the Lumbo- Sacral Spines AP/ LAT views revealed Transitional vertibrae: D12 having rudimentary ribs & L5 sacralized. Then on 14/03/2018 the…

Dipanwita Mukherjee was a small girl when her father Bibhuti Bhusan Chakraverty was diagnosed with throat cancer. This is his story, how he overcame his condition and also how he reached out to many others to alleviate their pain. A recent Bengali film, Kontho, based on Mr Chakraverty’s life and struggles has also brought the story back in focus. When was your father diagnosed with throat cancer? My father, late Bibhuti Bhusan Chakraverty was detected with throat cancer in the year 1972. He was…

The patient-doctor relationship is crucial for better outcomes for patients. Find out what some of our patient contributors have to say about their relationship with their doctors.     Usha Jerome, on the factors of her win over Colorectal Cancer  Two things are important. Firstly, the doctors should not hide the truth and must explain the exact stage of cancer and the way forward. Secondly, we must believe in and trust our doctors. My team of doctors and nurses were…

An insightful panel discussion with two cancer winners and a Psycho Oncologist who talk about the various aspects of cancer survivorship especially among young adults.   The latest in our ‘Living Better’ series of Live Q&A sessions looks at the psycho-social aspects of young adults who have to deal with cancer. This session covers how cancer re-defines identity, how it affects relationships and friendships, equations at work and perspectives in life. Listen to an insightful and…

The integration of psycho-oncology into cancer care has significantly helped alleviate emotional and psychological distress for both patients and caregivers. Savita Goswami, psycho-oncologist at Tata Memorial Hospital, discusses some of the psychotherapeutic intervention techniques used in paediatric cancer care. In recent years, there has been an increasing emphasis on psychosocial interventions in paediatric oncology care. What does it really entail? In the last two decades, great work has…

Shweta Chawre, animator and graphic designer, who was diagnosed with stage 2 osteosarcoma, an aggressive type of bone cancer, as a teenager, looks back over her life and celebrates her decade of survivorship with gratitude and optimism. It was the summer of 2008. I was 15 years old and had just completed my SSC board examinations. One day I developed a routine knee pain, nothing that signified a major health trouble. The pain was in my right knee. I was active in sports so we reckoned that the…

Living Better After Cancer - Adapting to a new Reality. This webinar, part of our ‘Living Better’ series on lived experiences of cancer survivorship sessions looks at the psycho-social aspects of young adults who have to deal with cancer. This session covers how cancer re-defines identity, how it affects relationships and friendships, equations at work and perspectives in life. Listen to an insightful and interesting conversation with Psycho Oncologist Aneri Shah and Cancer survivors…

Cancer patients often self medicate with vitamins and mineral supplements and other dietary supplements during the course of cancer treatment. Dr. Shital Raval examines the commonly suggested supplements and herbs and the associated risks. During cancer treatment, eating right is extremely important in order to sustain the side-effects of cancer drugs as well as combat weight loss. Many patients find it difficult to eat, possibly due to loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc. or eat a well-…

An informed and engaged cancer patient has better clinical outcomes and fewer side effects. Knowing the trajectory of the illness also helps the patient and their family plan for the treatment and other care related aspects. Dr. Shital Raval shares an exhaustive set of questions that you may need to ask your cancer specialist.   A Cancer diagnosis can be quite alarming but by taking an active role in planning treatment and care, it can help alleviate the unwelcome stress and anxiety.…