One of the top medical facilities in Eastern India, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a member of the Manipal Hospitals Network), held an incredibly poignant Bladder Cancer Survivors’ Meet. In a heartfelt celebration of resilience, healing, and awareness, the event brought together doctors, healthcare professionals, carers, and survivors.

As a reminder that they are not alone in their grieving and healing process, this unique event honoured not only those who have courageously fought bladder cancer and won, but also the primary carers of those who lost their battle. The initiative’s goals were to raise public awareness of bladder cancer, one of the urological cancers that is most underdiagnosed in India.

Personal accounts of fortitude and perseverance served as the event’s emotional high point. Family members of the late Gautam Mukherjee, Maitrayee Mukherjee, and her son Kaustav Mukherjee, spoke of their moving bravery during his protracted fight with cancer. The late Beauty Das’s daughter, Ms. Sreejita Das, also talked about her heartwarming experience and her mother’s valiant battle with bladder cancer.

At the event, over thirty survivors shared their moving and motivational stories. Among them was Jhunu Biswas, a 44-year-old homemaker from Kestapur, and Pradip Mukherjee, a 60-year-old businessman from Sodepur.

Bladder cancer often goes unnoticed, which results in a delayed diagnosis and complicated treatment needs. To achieve the best results, the hospital has concentrated on fusing state-of-the-art technology with patient-centered care. Patients’ recovery times and surgical accuracy have significantly increased thanks to robotic assistance. The doctors hope to debunk myths and promote prompt medical attention with events like these. In 2023, they also started a support group for people with bladder cancer.
Since then, the patients and survivors have been getting together regularly to talk about their experiences and offer support to one another as they work towards recovery.

“Fighting cancer is not just about treating the body—it is also about healing the mind. A cancer diagnosis can cause profound but often invisible trauma, fear, and anxiety. The purpose of our mental health support systems is to assist patients and their families in navigating the psychological journey with courage and hope,” said Sohini Saha, Senior Consultant Psychologist at Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a part of Manipal Hospitals Network).

“Nutrition is crucial before, during, and after cancer treatment. A customised, well-balanced diet can have a big impact on immunity, recuperation, and general health. We collaborate closely with patients to create individualised meal plans that complement each phase of their journey,” said Pritisha Ghosh, clinical dietician at Medica Superspecialty Hospital (a member of Manipal Hospitals Network).

A musical performance by survivors, an open dialogue with carers, and a commitment to raise awareness of early symptoms like pelvic pain, frequent urination, and blood in the urine marked the event’s conclusion.

Priyanka Dutta