~ Doctors and patients come together to share experiences during bladder cancer awareness month~
Kolkata, 9th May 2023: On the occasion of Bladder Cancer Awareness Month this year, Medica Group of Hospitals, the largest private hospital chain in Eastern India, hosted an awareness and cultural program at Medica Superspecialty Hospital on Monday, May 8th, along with their Bladder Cancer Support Group's cancer survivors. The conference mostly focused on the “Life Beyond Bladder Cancer". At the event, Dr. Abhay Kumar, Head of Urology, Surgical Oncology, and Robotic Surgery at Medica Superspecialty Hospital highlighted some myths and facts, as well as signs that may indicate bladder cancer. Approximately 50 inspirational cancer survivors shared their life stories beyond cancer. Following the awareness session, the cancer survivors hosted a cultural program for the attendees at the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhay Kumar, Head of Urology, Surgical Oncology, Robotic Surgery, Medica Superspeciality Hospital, said, “This year for Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, we're focusing on patient uncertainty; our effort is to make it easy and accessible for individuals of all age groups, suspecting any symptoms of bladder cancer, to be tested at the earliest. Medica has consistently fought the stigma of cancer inevitably being terminal. If detected early, cancer is highly treatable, especially with regular screening and treatment. The support group assembled here today exemplifies a happy and healthy life after fighting and defeating cancer." He further added, “It takes a team effort to educate ourselves and our loved ones about the importance of regular check-ups and screenings. By doing so, we can detect cancer earlier and increase the life expectancy of patients. We must continue to support and advocate for better cancer treatments and prevention methods. I'm glad to see the Bladder Cancer Support Group, which is primarily led by our former patients, is doing such good work to build a community centred around hope and support. Each of their stories inspires others to never give up. I congratulate them on organizing such an inclusive and successful cultural program for us here today."
The hour-long event and the interactive session took the viewers through clinically oriented topics ranging from defining the symptoms of this cancer to the technicalities of managing the same for well-being.
While the patients continued to reveal their life stories, Mr. Sanjay Bhowmik, a 64-year-old former patient stated, “Last year, in 2022, I was diagnosed with a cyst in my bladder, which turned out to be malignant, with stage 2 bladder cancer. Within a month, I underwent surgery at Medica. I have successfully completed cancer treatment and now enjoying an extremely active lifestyle full of exercise and even sports with my children. The oncology team at Medica provided excellent care and support throughout my recovery, and I am grateful for their expertise and compassion.”
Thereafter, Mr. Ramen Mukherjee, a retired businessman, and globetrotter who underwent a Radical Cystectomy Ileal Conduit operation (removal of bladder and implantation of bladder outside the abdomen) revealed, “Initially, Dr. Abhay Kumar performed my bladder cancer surgery at another private hospital, and it was my trust & faith in his abilities and compassionate approach to all his patients that drew me to Medica. The infrastructure at Medica was very focused on the patient experience, which further created a very supportive environment for my healing journey. Since my treatment, I've spent time traveling around the world and supporting other patients who are going through a similar journey."
Mr. Pradip Mukherjee, shared, “When I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2021, I sought treatment at several hospitals, underwent unsuccessful surgery, and was unable to undergo additional surgery due to a weak heart and other comorbidities. I first underwent heart surgery at Medica, and then I was referred to Dr. Abhay Kumar for my cancer treatment. Dr. Kumar's urology expertise and compassionate approach made me feel confident and at ease throughout my treatment. I am now cancer-free, and I encourage other cancer patients to seek treatment as well because cancer is no longer a death sentence."
Medica, the fastest-growing healthcare group in Eastern India, has been working over the years to establish a world-class cancer treatment facility in Kolkata with excellent clinicians, cutting-edge technologies which provide a 360-degree caregiving approach.
Mr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Co-Founder & Jt. Managing Director, averred, "The incidence of urinary bladder cancer is increasing worldwide, and West Bengal is one of India's leading bladder cancer states. Bladder cancer has symptoms that, if detected early, can lead to early diagnosis and treatment, thereby reducing the mortality rate. Bladder Cancer incidences have been found in approximately 2.7 million people globally. As a result, as healthcare professionals, we advise everyone to get checked even if they have the least bit of doubt. Echoing the thoughts of Mr. Ayanabh DebGupta, Mr. R Udayan Lahiry, Director, Medica Synergie Pvt Ltd, said, “We have all the high-quality technological infrastructures at Medica that can be used to cure patients if they are detected early. At the end of the day, it's a life that counts, and as a hospital, we pledge to save more lives. Today on this occasion, we are overjoyed to see so many survivors living a very happy and healthy life, despite their ordeal."
The lively performances by the survivors fostered a sense of belonging and camaraderie among the attendees. It was a testament to the power of coming together and supporting one another in times of need. To the Medica staff, it served as a reminder of how closely they are linked to the betterment of their patients’ lives through their fight against cancer.
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