March 8th, 2004
A Cancer Support Group, inaugurated in the Apollo Hospitals here today, will provide psychological and emotional support to patients in management and treatment of the disease.
A Cancer Support Group, inaugurated in the Apollo Hospitals here today, will provide psychological and emotional support to patients in management and treatment of the disease.
Comprising many survivors, the group will spend "quality time with patients in the hospital, read from scriptures and religious books, counsel patients and provide moral support to the newly-diagnosed."
The group is headed by Neerja Malik, a cancer survivor, who is involved in support groups elsewhere too. It will also focus on rehabilitating patients to help them return to normal life, convening monthly meetings with updates from specialists and launching awareness programmes on the disease for women, according to the group's brochure.
Sharing her experience, Ms. Malik says the motto of the group is, "We have done it and you too can. Just take it easy and do it." The members will provide necessary support to patients to minimise their trauma. Neerja can be reached at 98400 66637.
The Apollo Speciality Hospitals provided the support group with a desk and also commissioned a cancer helpline, which can be reached over phone (9941993333).
Preetha Reddy, Managing Director, Apollo Hospitals, pinned badges on members and lauded them for their endeavour.
Jaishree Gajraj, consultant gynaecologist, said women hesitated to go for cervical smear or mammography due to myths.
Selvi Radhakrishna, consultant surgeon in oncology, said breast cancer was the most prevalent form, affecting about 80,000 people in India annually. It was largely prevalent among the members of urban upper middle-class. Breast cancer manifested due to family history or was caused by increased exposure to oestrogen or obesity.
A change of lifestyle, eating more fruits, vegetables high in fibre content and fish and regular exercises helped in preventing it.
Stressing early detection, Dr. Selvi she said women should begin self-examination at 20, go for clinical examination after 30 and opt for mammography after 40 years.
