The Cancer Care and Cure Society of Bengal held an impactful awareness session at Kalamandir in a bold effort to challenge the stigma surrounding cancer and foster a sense of hope. The event emphasised a powerful message: cancer is no longer a death sentence, and many patients are successfully overcoming the disease to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. The medical community’s central theme, “Cancer is not the end – it can be cured, and life can return to normal”, struck a deep chord, sending a message of resilience and hope to all those affected by cancer.

The event was led by eminent medical professionals Dr. Gautam Mukhopadhyay (Vice President, Cancer Care & Cure Society of Bengal), Dr. Sayan Paul (Secretary, Cancer Care & Cure Society of Bengal), Dr. Tanmay Mandal (Treasurer, Cancer Care & Cure Society of Bengal), and Dr. Soumen Das (Joint Secretary, Cancer Care & Cure Society of Bengal).

It was carefully planned to bring together cancer survivors, their families, healthcare professionals, and the larger community in a powerful celebration of resilience, recovery, and renewed hope for life after cancer.

The evening began with a thought-provoking panel discussion led by distinguished doctors, who provided valuable insights into the most recent advances in cancer treatment, survival, and the return to normal life after treatment. The program continued with heartfelt testimonies from cancer survivors, whose moving personal stories of resilience and hope demonstrated the extraordinary strength of the human spirit in the face of hardship. Their powerful stories served as a testament to the unwavering courage and determination that motivates others facing similar challenges.

To end the evening on a high note, the acclaimed musical duo Sourendro-Soumyojit delivered a soulful performance that uplifted and united attendees in a shared sense of hope and community.

A large number of cancer patients and their families attended the event, which served as both a night of awareness and a community gathering of support, solidarity, and healing. Their performance on the same stage as the celebrity singers added to the overall appeal of the program.

Furthermore, the Institute of Breast Disease in Kolkata has officially launched ‘Jiboner Sathi’, India’s first structured Cancer Navigator Program, marking a watershed moment in patient-centered cancer care. This ground-breaking socio-academic initiative aims to train cancer survivors to be Level 1 Navigators, providing emotional, informational, and practical support to new cancer patients as they navigate their journey. Initially focused on breast cancer, ‘Jiboner Sathi’ provides treated patients with specialised communication and guidance training, allowing them to serve as compassionate companions and credible resources for those who have recently been diagnosed. This program is a significant step towards humanising healthcare and improving survivorship care through community-based support.

Volunteers who have completed their cancer treatment and want to help others are encouraged to apply. The application form is available on the Institute’s website or can be obtained from the Institute directly.

For more details, visit: www.instituteo@breastdisease.org

Priyanka Dutta