'Willpower plays prominent role in fighting cancer'

A significant 53 to 55% of cancer patients in India suffer from mental illness due to fear, anxiety and depression, rue oncology experts. The fight against cancer is not only about doctors and their treatment but it is also about the levels of confidence in the patients, believe experts. Oncologists believe that a strong willpower can fight cancer in patients.

Oncology experts expressed their views during the launch of 'Cancer Support Group (CSG) 2017' of Narayana Multispeciality Hospital at a programme organised in J K Ground here on Tuesday. The programme was inaugurated by film actor Srinath.

Radiation Oncologist at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital Dr Vedapriya said that the fight against cancer was not about doctors and their treatment but the courage and support exhibited by all other teams in the hospital and also of caretakers at home who contribute towards the process of recovery.

The experts said that patients must not suppress their emotions as it causes somatic problems that result in mental illness. According to experts there are multiple modalities of treatment to cure cancer and a lot of research and development is underway to fight even a stage 4 cancer.

Highlighting about CSG, Nithin Aiyappa, Facility Director at Narayana Multispeciality Hospital, said that the objective is to combat cancer jointly encouraging patients to be positive and courageous without losing hope.

Around 300 people including patients and cancer survivors participated in the programme. Many patients and cancer survivors shared their experiences with each other in the presence of nurses, doctors and staff of Narayana Multispeciality Hospital.

Spiritual guru Keshavamurthy, consultant radiation oncologist Dr Vedapriya, consultant medical oncologist Dr Naveen Anvekar,  consultant surgical oncologist Dr Palaniappan and consultant surgical gastroenterologist Dr Lokesh were present at the event.