Fighting cancer with all their might, creating awareness

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 12

A cancer conclave for creating awareness regarding early detection and prevention of the disease was held in collaboration with FICCI FLO, IAOMP CAN and World Cancer Care on Monday. Seven medical vans detected people for various types of cancers. MP Gurjeet Aujla inaugurated the camp in the morning with philanthropist and cancer activist Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Lisa Ray in attendance.

The outreach programme, in a series of such awareness drives being held by the organisations, invited cancer survivors, actor Lisa Ray, author-filmaker Tahira Kashyap and designer Manali Jagtap, entrepreneur Monika Chaudhary.

Stressing on early detection of cancer as the possible route towards finding its cure, the panelists shared their stories of struggle through cancer. “I would rather call myself as a cancer graduate rather than survivor, because its a learning experience,” said Lisa, who was detected with multiple myeloma (a form of blood cancer) which is incurable. Still living with it, Lisa recently welcomed her twins via surrogacy and she believes that not one should ignore their health.

“I have been ignoring myself, my body for long, until I got a loud message in form of cancer that I need to take care of myself. My initial reaction when I got to know about it was of relief, which might sound bizarre, but at least I knew what was wrong with me,” said Lisa. She has been crusading for the cause ever since her diagnosis in 2009. Lisa has also written a book about her cancer journey, which she said will be out soon.

Designer Manali Jagtap, who said that taking health for granted is what is the biggest roadblock in cancer detection. “Since there are no symptoms, one doesn’t know about until quite late. Health should be given priority.”

Tahira Kashyap, wife of actor Ayushmann Khurana and an author, too said that dealing with social and psychological stigmas is the most challenging part of the journey. Detected with breast cancer, the mother of two went through masectomy and is currently under recovering. “Family is your biggest support through this,” she added.