NAGPUR: The survival rate of all types of cancer has increased in Nagpur in the last 5 years, said doctors at the Rashtra Sant Tukadoji Regional Cancer Hospital on Monday.
The hospital is one of the oldest charitable hospitals in Vidarbha where thousands of cancer patients not only from the city, but also from the periphery are treated every year.
“Although the patient turn out has reduced due to the pandemic, the cancer survival rate has increased,” said Dr BK Sharma, an honorary consultant.
“Nearly 60% of the oral cancer cases used to survive for more than 5 years after treatment.
This has gone up to 90% in the last few years, especially if detected early at stage one or stage 2,” said Dr Sharma.
On Monday, the hospital celebrated ‘Cancer Survivors’ Day’ with 13 survivors who shared their experiences with journalists.
“I was diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago.
Since then, I’m taking medicines and injections regularly and living a normal life,” said Anand Kelkar, who is in his seventies.
Kavita Padole, a breast cancer survivor since six years, said many of her family members opposed her decision to opt for chemotherapy.
“There are many misconceptions among people about chemotherapy and radiation.
If I had gone by my family and avoided radiotherapy, I would have died in the next two years,” said Kavita.
Girdhar Abarte, who had skin cancer, considers doctors like gods.
Survivors from up to 4 to 10 years appealed to cancer patients to not hesitate to get treatment.
“If detected early, there are chances of a cure from any kind of cancer,” said Dr Kartar Singh, director in-charge of the hospital.
The hospital has several government schemes which make cancer treatment affordable to needy patients.
Special vaccination camp for cancer patients A special vaccination camp has been launched at the Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Cancer Hospital for cancer patients.
Vaccination will be from 10am to 5 pm.
Online registration is not needed.
Immediate vaccination will be done if a cancer survivor or patient comes with the Aadhar card and medical certificate.
Initially, cancer patients above 45 years of age will be administered the vaccine.
In the next two weeks, all cancer patients above 18 years will get vaccines.
For more information, call 0712-2744441 or 0712-2748995.