Cancer

On World Cancer Day, our contributors shared how cancer has changed their perspective and outlook towards life, irrespective of whether it turned their lives upside down or not.  You can also read their detailed cancer journeys by clicking on their names.  Sai Narayana Karanam, Lung Cancer How has cancer turned your life upside down? Cancer didn’t just challenge my health—it changed the way I see every single day. One moment I was living normally, and the next I was facing scans,…

World Cancer Day announced the Upside Down Challenge. Anita Nanda reflects on how cancer has changed her forever. And what gives her hope and keeps her resilient. How has cancer turned your life upside down? Cancer diagnosis is a life changing event in anyone’s life. Life is totally turned upside down. The treatment is long…what’s more it is not predictable. Everyday is a new day with different experiences. Cancer turned my life upside down in ways I never imagined. Before it entered my world,…

Prajakta Paranjpe, 47, a Singapore resident, was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, with almost no symptoms. A surgery and six rounds of chemo later, she has been clear for a year, and has even gone trekking to the Himalayas. Read how she navigated her recovery process. Today, I am totally fit and healthy. I am working full time and trekking on the weekends. In fact, I believe I am a lot healthier now than I was 5-7 years ago. At present, there is no evidence of cancer in my body. My last chemo was…

Binny*, a 57 year old woman from Mumbai shares her experience of living with a stoma bag after a diagnosis of Colorectal Cancer and the lifestyle changes she has to make to live life to the fullest. And practical and useful tips on travel, diet and clothing when living with a stoma.  Please tell us a bit about your condition. Can you describe it? I am a colorectal cancer survivor. I have had colostomy surgery (called Abdominoperineal Resection) in which a part of my large intestine (colon…

प्रमुख मेडिकल ऑन्कोलॉजिस्ट और शोधकर्ता डॉ. वनिता नोरोन्हा ने पेशेंट्सएंगेज पॉडकास्ट पर बुजुर्गों में कैंसर देखभाल के लिए आवश्यक विशेष वृद्धावस्था संबंधी मूल्यांकन के बारे में चर्चा की, और बताया कि ऐसे मूल्यांकन से उपचार को व्यक्तिगत बनाने में कैसे मदद मिल सकती है। जानकारी के लिए पढ़ें पॉडकास्ट पर आधारित यह लेख: जेरीऐट्रिक ऑन्कोलॉजी या जेरीऐट्रिक कैंसर केयर (बुजुर्गों के कैंसर उपचार और देखभाल के क्षेत्र) क्या हैं? जेरीऐट्रिक ऑन्कोलॉजी या जेरीऐट्रिक कैंसर केयर (बुजुर्गों के कैंसर उपचार और देखभाल…

Dr Vanita Noronha, a leading medical oncologist and researcher spoke on the PatientsEngage Podcast on the value of Geriatric Cancer Care and how Geriatric Assessment can help personalize treatment for older persons. What is Geriatric Oncology or Geriatric Cancer Care? Given that cancer is predominantly considered a disease of aging, why do we need a special focus on geriatric cancer care?  Geriatric means older and Geriatric oncology means Cancer in older people. There is a greater chance…

Are you passionate about improving access to research, fostering better care and creating a positive impact on clinical trials and guidelines for cancer? Apply to PARC (Patient Advocate Research and Clinical Guidelines) Training Program) 2025 now. What is the PARC (Patient Advocate Research and Clinical Guidelines) Training Program The National Cancer Grid and PatientsEngage are collaborating to build a team of Patient Advocates to work towards advancing patient and public involvement in…

Suchismita Das was an Engineering undergraduate when the diagnosis of a rare soft tissue sarcoma (rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer) in the lung, hit her like a bolt from the blue and turned her world upside down. She fought it out bravely and now she is helping others who going through lung cancer. I am Suchismita Das, 28 years old, and a rare soft tissue sarcoma survivor. My life was just like any other girl studying engineering till I started facing health issues. What were your early symptoms…

Anita Sharma*, 41, is a regular, busy professional in Delhi, who was suddenly diagnosed with GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor). She shares her experience with us. Please tell us about the condition you are dealing with I was diagnosed with GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor). I also underwent surgery. But I’m better now after regular checkups.   GIST is a rare cancer that develops in the digestive system. GISTs arise from special cells in the GI tract wall called interstitial cells…

Mehul Vyas, 51, a stage 4 throat cancer survivor, talks about his regrets of consuming cigarettes and gutka which ultimately led to throat cancer and destroyed one of his vocal cords. He and his wife Anagha share their experience of dealing with cancer in a new country. He is now a passionate anti-tobacco advocate who talks to children in schools on the ills and dangers of tobacco consumption. Please tell us a bit about your condition. Stage 4 laryngeal cancer in my right vocal cord. What were…