Tag: World Cancer Day

Health

Transworld Group Volunteers Create Art Experience for World Cancer Day

Feb 29, 2024 by Mansi Praharaj 0 Comments #AIIMS, #mNGO, #Mumbai, #New Delhi, #Ritesh S. Ramakrishnan, #St. Jude Childcare Centres, #Transworld Group, #World Cancer Day

New Delhi/Mumbai, February 29, 2024 – Over 28 Transworld Group volunteers joined hands with St. Jude Childcare Centres – an NGO, to spend time with children undergoing cancer treatment in India.

transworld cancer health care

Volunteers organized art activities and distributed gifts among children undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Delhi, and ACTREC (Tata Memorial Hospital), Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

The NGO, St. Jude Childcare Centres, provides clean and safe accommodation, hygienic food, and care for underprivileged children and their family members during their stay for the treatment. Most of the families come from rural and semi-urban areas which do not have access to cancer treatment.

“Our volunteers are proof that the joy of giving and making a difference to society at large can be a huge motivation when it comes to choosing the right kind of company for employment. It is heartwarming to note that our employees champion our brand values – both in India and Dubai,” said Ritesh S. Ramakrishnan, Managing Director, of Transworld Group.

Around 20 volunteers from Transworld Group also joined hands with Al Jalila Children’s Hospital in Dubai to support children battling cancer.

Bharti AXA General Insurance Launches ‘Salute To Caregivers – Ek Naya Nazariya Campaign’, To Support Cancer Survivors
Business World, Health, News

Bharti AXA General Insurance Launches ‘Salute To Caregivers – Ek Naya Nazariya Campaign’, To Support Cancer Survivors

Feb 5, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #‘Iss Jung Mein Hum Sang Hai’, #Bharti AXA General Insurance, #MD and CEO, #Mr. Sanjeev Srinavasan, #World Cancer Day

MUMBAI: Bharti AXA General Insurance, a joint venture between Bharti Enterprises, one of India’s leading business groups, and AXA, one of the world’s largest insurance companies, today launched its unique campaign ‘Caregivers’ to support cancer survivors in the battle against the killer disease.

Commemorating World Cancer Day, a global uniting initiative by the Union for International Cancer Control to raise worldwide attention and inspire action for a cancer-free future, Bharti AXA General Insurance believes that all caregivers – friends, family, and others – play a significant role to win the battle against cancer.

The implicit essence is best captured by the tagline ‘Iss Jung Mein Hum Sang Hai’. The campaign was kicked off with the release of the poem across Bharti AXA General Insurance’s social media handles and poet Priya Malik’s Instagram page hours before World Cancer Day. Through this awareness drive, the company aims to engage with close to a million Indians today on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and focuses on highlighting everyone’s role in achieving a cancer-free world.

To create a meaningful impact, Bharti AXA General Insurance has collaborated with noted poetess Priya Malik for a poignant tribute titled, ‘NayaNazariya’ to reflect her own experience as a caregiver and shed light on the selfless devotion of caregivers everywhere.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Sanjeev Srinavasan, MD and CEO, Bharti AXA General Insurance, said, “With this campaign, we aim to draw focus towards everyone’s role in achieving a healthier and brighter world without cancer. It is essential to spread awareness about the importance of a caregiver’s physical, emotional and mental health for the well-being of a Cancer patient. We would like to dedicate our initiative to every caregiver for the predicament they face and thank them for their support, grit, and determination.’’

According to various studies, the awareness of health aspect, knowledge of various stages of cancer and physical/mental impact, and methods to keep track of treatment were consistently rated as major issues to care for cancer patients effectively.

To support and understand the emotions of caregivers of cancer patients, Bharti AXA General conducted a study with about 500 caregivers, which highlights their challenges, their strength and utilization of formal support systems, and the steps they take to support a Cancer patient.

Staying positive emerged as the biggest challenge for caregivers. About 50 per cent of the caregivers between the age group 25 to 34 years and 54 per cent of those above age of 35 years faced this issue. Keeping track of treatment stages, expenses, and medications were the other challenges faced by these caregivers. As many as 52 per cent of caregivers above 35 years of age felt that acceptance of the diseases for the sake of self/patient was a challenge as compared to only 18 per cent of those between 25 and 34 years and 29 per cent of caregivers between 18 and 24 years. Keeping track of treatment stages, medications and acceptance of the disease are the top three challenges faced by the caregivers.

More than 50 per cent of caregivers found strength and inspiration by talking to family members, other caregivers, and supportive people and doing Yoga/Exercise/Meditation. Only 27-28 per cent of caregivers have utilized the facility of therapy/counseling sessions and visits to formal support groups. More than 50 per cent of caregivers highlighted that knowledge about the various stages of Cancer and modes to keep a track of treatment schedules were the key activities they focused on supporting the Cancer patients.

On World Cancer Day, which aims to create more awareness around this unnoticed phenomenon, the study by Bharti AXA General Insurance and YouGov aims to notify that Cancer Caregivers may experience periods of stress, anxiety, depression and frustration and stress on the fact that the awareness and support from other people will help boost their spirits.

According to the WHO, 17 people die every minute from Cancer in the world. Patients diagnosed with Cancer are said to be the most vulnerable group in society. Cancer affects not only the patients but also his/her entire family and caregivers.

From spreading awareness and showing a glimpse of a caregiver’s life, through this relevant campaign, the company urges people to support the caregivers and tell them that they are not alone in this battle.

With this, Bharti AXA General Insurance pledges to stand tall and take step towards ensuring the betterment of the caregivers.

Children suffering from Cancer writing letters to the PM on World Cancer Day
Health, News

Children suffering from Cancer writing letters to the PM on World Cancer Day

Feb 5, 2021 by Rekha Nair 0 Comments #World Cancer Day

New Delhi: On the occasion of World Cancer Day, kids suffering from cancer and their parents from across India are writing letters to the PM and urging for a National plan and policy for childhood cancer in India. For a country like India that accounts for more than 25% of the world’s childhood cancer where over 250 centres treat kids with cancer, we have Poor access to care Less than 30% make it to a cancer centre; the top 10 centres see no more than 13-15% of children and survival rates vary from 10 – 80% across hospitals. (Data collected from Cankids Research Department headed by Dr. Ramandeep Arora, Pediatric Oncologist, Max Hospitals& Secretary, India Pediatric Oncology Group (INPOG)

Such stats are enough to signal red alarm in India and looking at this serious matter, for the last 4 years, Childhood Cancer Survivors of KidscanKonnect: The teenage and young adult survivor group of Cankids (The National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, a National NGO working across the entire spectrum of Childhood Cancer) have collected 300,000 pledges– ‘one for each child who has childhood cancer somewhere in the world each year’.

Pledges have been collected online and through pledge books and pledge sheets from patient beneficiaries – parents and survivors, health care professionals- doctors, nurses, and workers, hospital administrations, Govt officials, politicians, celebrities, donors, NGOs, schools, colleges, media, and civil society – that’s 300,000 people from all over India and overseas who have signed up and want childhood cancer to be a child & health priority in India.

The young cancer survivor group have been leading “Haqkibaat campaign” and asking their Mann Ki Baat to PM for a National Plan for Childhood cancer. A cancer awareness rally will leave for PMO on 15th Feb, International Childhood Cancer Day from AIIMS to Lok Kalyan Marg.

Two cancer survivors from Uttar Pradesh Sandip Yadav (sarcoma survivor) and Vikas Yadav (Eye cancer survivor) made a video of how they won the fight against the deadly disease. “Our families had to uproot themselves and move to Mumbai for treatment. Why should where we are born decide whether we survive or not?”

A blood cancer survivor from Delhi and a Campaign Leader, Chandan Kumar said “If the developed world knows so much about how to cure and care for Childhood cancer then why should we be denied because we live in India.”

Chairman of Cankids organization Ms. Poonam Bagai said “WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) has set a target of 60% of Survival for Children with Cancer in Low Middle-Income Country like ours and to reduce the suffering for all Children with Cancer by 2030. In the High-Income countries 80% of Children with Cancer will Survive but in the Low- and Middle-Income Countries, only 20% of Children will Survive. This data reflects that we are in a serious war in the fight against cancer – childhood cancer is the low hanging fruit and its high time to have a National Childhood Cancer Plan and Policy to make it a health priority of India.

WHY We need National Plan and Policy

1. Because India accounts for 26% of the new childhood cancer cases diagnosed worldwide each year. ( India 76,000 worldwide 3,00,000 )

2. Because deaths due to childhood cancer are an increasing proportion of childhood mortality (other than accidental death) even in Low Middle Income Countries (LMICs) like India

3. Because childhood cancer cure rates are actually 70 to 95%‎. High mortality rates in our country of 50 to 70% are unacceptable

4. Because not enough attention is given to awareness, detection, drug and treatment development of childhood cancer as compared to adult cancers.

5. Because children are our future. For every child that dies of cancer the world loses 71 years of life.

6. Because no family should go bankrupt, lose their assets, become impoverished or go deeper into poverty when a child gets sick with cancer.

7. Because access to better care, better pediatric cancer centers, pediatric oncologists and affordable good quality medication, healthcare coverage and complete support services can stop the children from dying

8. Because access to best possible treatment, care and support is their human right – not just a privilege

ABOUT CANKIDS KIDSCAN

CanKidsKidscan is a not-for-profit National Society dedicated to Change for Childhood Cancer in India. It is the only organization in India that works on all aspects that will drive this Change – from support services for families of children with cancer (age 0-19), to awareness, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, quality care, research and impact. It works in partnership with centres treating children with cancer across the country, as well as with State Governments and all relevant stakeholders to improve Access to Care.

BD-India
Health

BD-India launches PortShala

Feb 4, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Dr. Harit Chaturvedi - Chairperson, #Max Institute of Cancer Care, #World Cancer Day

BD-India launches PortShala – a medical education program for healthcare professionals commemorating World Cancer day

  Ports are used to deliver chemotherapy to cancer patients.

New Delhi – BD-India (Becton, Dickinson and Company) today announced the launch of a specialist educational program on chemo ports on World Cancer Day, observed on 4th February every year.

This initiative will focus on upgrading information levels on Implanting, Administration and Maintenance of Chemo ports amongst all cancer stakeholders and caregivers. Chemo Ports have proven to be a boon for breast cancer patients as patients often have to undergo long periods of chemotherapy, involving multiple sessions. The port stays in place for the chemotherapy treatment duration and eliminates the need to find a suitable vein at each treatment session. Experts believe that the intensive information and knowledge around ports can greatly improve the treatment regime & quality of life for breast cancer patients significantly. *Breast cancer mortality rate currently stands at about 50% and accounts for over 27% of all new cancer cases in Indian women.

Dr. Harit Chaturvedi – Chairperson, Max Institute of Cancer Care, Delhi emphasizes “Chemo ports have contributed significantly in improving the journey for cancer patients. One prick at every chemo session is a great assurance necessary for a person who has to go through this week after week for a few months.”

Some chemotherapy medications can only be given through a port as some patients have veins that are very difficult to access. This makes a port a reliable option for the administration of therapy for patients with specific medical needs. Ports have a lower risk of infection over time than IVs or other devices that stick out through the skin. When an I.V is used, medications are more likely to leak (extravagate) into the tissues surrounding patients’ hand or arm. Since many chemotherapy medications are caustic to tissue, a port can reduce the risk of inflammation related to these medications’ leakage. The quality of life of the patient improves significantly as the port is completely implantable and nothing is visible outside. In addition, the patient can continue with having a normal lifestyle like taking a shower or going for a swim.

Pavan Mocherla, Managing Director-BD-India/South Asia said, “Cancer is a disease that is being tackled continuously at multiple levels in our society. While early detection is the best way to prevent a loss of life from any cancer, patients undergoing chemotherapy also need care to manage complications, side effects etc. Our new initiative, Port Shala has been designed specifically to generate awareness around Cancer and Chemo Ports. It will enable nurses and technicians to enhance their skill and knowledge on care and maintenance of chemo ports for breast and colon cancer patients. By familiarizing them with the latest technology in achieving better patient outcomes, our purpose of advancing the world of health becomes even more powerful and we believe healthcare workers can continue to deliver their responsibility to do no harm to those they serve.”

PortShala aims to aid continuous learning about new and developing science in chemo ports and facilitate a deeper understanding of chemo port usage amongst healthcare workers, cancer caregivers and patients. Based on the principle of 4As namely Awareness, Application, Adoption and Advocacy, PortShala will comprise of hands-on programs, webinars and virtual experience sharing platforms for the medical fraternity to update on the latest technology and knowledge.

 

About BD

BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world and is advancing the world of health by improving medical discovery, diagnostics and the delivery of care. BD helps customers enhance outcomes, lower costs, increase efficiencies, improve safety and expand access to healthcare.

World Cancer Day - 4 February 2021
Health

Alcohol and Tobacco Addiction Increases Cancer Risk in India

Feb 4, 2021 by Neel Achary 0 Comments #Dr. Anup Tamhankar, #Terna Specialty Hospital and Research Center, #World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day – 4 February 2021
Alcohol and Tobacco Addiction Increases Cancer Risk in India
Doctors appeal Urgent Changes in Urban Lifestyle

Mumbai: World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4 every year through the Union for International Cancer Control. The purpose of World Cancer Day is to create awareness about cancer and promote its treatment. In a country like India, where the population is on the rise, the incidence of cancer is also on the rise. Breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer and colorectal cancer are the most common types of cancer.

Giving more information about this, oncologist and surgeon of Terna Specialty Hospital and Research Center at Nerul, Dr. Anup Tamhankar said, “Every year 8.2 million people die of cancer worldwide. However, a healthy lifestyle should be adopted to prevent the causes of cancer. A balanced diet and weight control should be maintained to keep physically fit. Obesity now affects 20 to 30 percent of adolescents worldwide. Overweight or obesity is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the intestine, breast, uterus, pancreas, esophagus, kidney and gallbladder in later life. India has been recognized as one of the best performing and stable economies in the world for the last two decades. Significant changes in our lifestyles have increased the risk of cancer and other non-communicable disease has increased over the decades. Alcohol and Smoke addiction increases the risk of cancer of the liver, mouth, throat, larynx and esophagus. Alcohol causes the body to produce harmful carcinogens called acetaldehyde, which can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. Also, genetic mutations increase the risk of alcohol-induced cancer in some individuals. ”

A shocking report has come out that India alone accounts for about 15 percent of the world’s tobacco-related deaths. Tobacco use has led to a steady rise in the number of deaths in India. At the same time, the number of patients with cancer is increasing day by day. A thousand types of chemicals enter the body due to tobacco consumption. It mainly contains chemicals like nicotine, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia, arsenic, naphthalene, cadmium, butane, carbon monoxide. Smoking contains 80 carcinogenic chemicals and smoking tobacco contains 28 types of cancerous chemicals. Despite various provisions in the anti-smoking law in India, it is a real tragedy for India that young people are being attracted to cannabis, hashish and other drug addicts along with tobacco, added by Dr. Anup Tamhankar oncologist and surgeon at Terna Specialty Hospital and Research Center.