Kolkata: Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI), New Town, organised an interactive meet of cancer survivors, patients and caregivers on Saturday, where doctors and recovered patients stressed early detection, timely treatment, positivity and family support in fighting the disease.The event brought together survivors and medical experts who shared experiences of diagnosis, treatment, emotional trauma, financial pressure and recovery. Speakers said cancer treatment can be long and difficult, but early medical intervention and a supportive environment can significantly improve outcomes.CNCI director Jayanta Chakraborty said the presence of survivors was an encouragement for the hospital and its medical team.
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“Your presence motivates us to do well. Seeing you all happy after winning over cancer makes us happy the most. Hope you all do well and better,” he said.Doctors expressed concern over delayed reporting by patients. The head of the dept of head and neck surgery at CNCI said many patients reach the hospital at an advanced stage because of fear and denial.“The main challenge we face every day is that patients arrive at our hospital very late. People feel terrified and refuse to believe that they could have cancer. This hesitation wastes vital time. When a patient comes late, the treatment takes much longer, becomes complex and drains the family financially,” the doctor said.Several survivors spoke about how mental strength, trust in doctors and support from relatives helped them continue treatment. Raju Das, a musician and cancer survivor, said music helped him stay positive. “When I was diagnosed, my first decision was that I would never hide my disease, because hiding an illness only makes the fear grow bigger. For me, music became my ultimate motivation and safe haven,” he said.Barun Kumar Dey, an engineer with Air India, said the CNCI team’s caring approach helped him cope with treatment. “The doctors and staff at CNCI helped us so much throughout the entire treatment journey. Their approachable and caring nature made a massive difference in our healing,” he said.Amit Dey, a tea seller, said recovery required a daily mental battle. “When you hear the word cancer, your mind naturally panics and tells you to give up. You have to fight an internal battle every day to choose life,” he said.Usha Singha from Kanchrapara highlighted the financial burden of cancer care. “Managing the high cost of long-term care was very stressful for my family. However, my family never left my side,” she said.Ayan Mukherjee, a businessman from Kanchrapara, called for greater social support for cancer patients and stronger action against tobacco use. “Society often looks at cancer patients with pity, but what we actually need is constant motivation and encouragement. It is society’s responsibility to lift patients up, remove stigma and demand a complete ban on tobacco products. Tobacco takes away lives and destroys families. We must reduce its consumption, educate our youth and ensure no one faces cancer alone,” he said.
