"Closing the Care Gap in Cancer Awareness Journey"
Written by: Kim Theresia,
Published on: 07th November 2023.
In the bustling streets of India, amidst the vibrant colours and diverse cultures, a silent battle rages on—a battle against cancer. Millions of lives are shaken by this alarming disease. Every year, 7th November, the National Cancer Awareness Day is commemorated to highlight the progress of past and the scope for the future in the fight against Cancer. This year the theme is "Close the Care Gap," and it encapsulates a promise and an all-important message to transform despair into hope, ignorance into awareness, and isolation into community support.
Cancer not only affects the body but also the mind and spirit. Psychological support for cancer survivors and their families weaves a tale of resilience and healing where in key aspects include counselling which offers a sanctuary for emotional expression, while support groups offer safe spaces of understanding and shared strength. Psychoeducation dispels the shadows of misconceptions and guiding individuals toward informed choices, sowing seeds of empowerment in the face of fear.
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 1.45 million new cancer cases were reported last year (2022). This number is poised to swell due to factors like population growth and aging. Treatment costs of cancer also push six crore Indians below the poverty line every year, 68% of cancer patients succumb to the disease. What the system of cancer care currently in India requires is an Upgrade- of infrastructure, of technology and most importantly of motivated people, who provide a range of services for people living with Cancer. The significant resource of professionals who impact the lives of people living with cancer include the diagnosticians, the Doctors, the Nursing and Rehab professionals, the Psychologists and Social Workers and finally the Pallium Care professional for end-of-life care. And if we are to believe the numbers projected for increase in those affected with Cancer, there is an increasing need for the system to upgrade.
To truly close the care gap, India needs a multifaceted approach. Firstly, there must be an expansion of healthcare infrastructure- more hospitals, especially in rural areas, and increased accessibility to cancer diagnosis and treatment services. Simultaneously, awareness campaigns could be intensified to educate people about preventive measures, encouraging healthier lifestyles and regular screening. Social collaboration is our guiding star. The government, NGOs, and the rest of civil society must unite their efforts, channelling resources efficiently and extending support to maximum patients, making an ideal model of service in the healthcare sector- drawing from each other’s strengths.
Here are some of the places that are leading the way in Cancer Care:
The Cancer Institute (W.I.A) also known as Adyar Cancer Institute is a public charitable voluntary not-for-profit institution, based in Chennai that is dedicated to the service of cancer patients since 1954. It is a Regional Centre for Cancer Research and Treatment and recognized as the State Cancer Institute, the apex body. They are pioneers in cancer care from prevention to palliation, offering ethical and state-of-the -art multi-modality treatment. The care is free or heavily subsidised or paid for, as needed.
Cuddles Foundation: This child-focused cancer care NGO believes that providing nutrition to the illness-affected, especially children, is one of the most effective ways of fighting cancer. Around 40% of children with cancer in India are malnourished at diagnosis. The organisation’s mission is to provide holistic nutrition to underprivileged children fighting cancer.
St. Jude India Childcare Centres : St. Jude’s mission is to provide a clean, safe & cost-free environment and holistic care to children affected with cancer and who come from resource poor families. It also supports the parents of such children. This cancer care NGO provides every child suffering from the illness, irrespective of economic status, a chance of surviving the disease. In its 33 centres across India, St. Jude provides families in need with free housing, nutrition and free transportation. It also offers art-based therapy, music therapy and yoga for the patients. These, along with skills training for income generation.
Indian Cancer Society: Founded in 1951, Indian Cancer Society is the first cancer care NGO that started to provide medical, psycho-social and other forms of help to patients in India. It has been helping with the early detection of cancer through centres and mobile camps across India. It especially focuses on the underprivileged population.
Yuvraj Singh Foundation: This was established by former India cricketer Yuvraj Singh, a cancer survivor himself. The Foundation works extensively focusing on cancer related issues. The organisation educates people about cancer prevention techniques, the importance of getting screened regularly and the signs and symptoms of cancer.
Cancer Patients Aid Association: When it was founded over 52 years ago, the mission of the Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) was to become an all-encompassing cancer help agency that works towards patient care, aid and assistance, awareness, early detection, rehabilitation and advocacy. An expert in cancer management, CPAA now mentors other healthcare organisations across India, based on this holistic philosophy through its presence in Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune.
The story of cancer awareness is, at its core, a story of shared humanity. It’s a narrative that reminds us of our fragility and our strength, our vulnerability and our resilience. It’s a reminder that in the face of adversity, we are not powerless; we are united. Let us not just be aware but let us be involved. Let us be the change, the hope, and the healing. Let us, hand in hand, close the care gap, not just for those facing cancer today but for generations yet to come. In our collective action, we find the true essence of humanity – the ability to care, to empathize, and to uplift.
This is not just a mission; it’s a promise. A promise to humanity, a promise to ourselves, and a promise to the future. Together, we can rewrite the story of cancer, not as a tale of despair, but as a saga of triumph, resilience, and enduring hope.
