Cancer Warriors Share Inspiring Journeys of Hope and Healing at Manipal Hospital EM Bypass on National Cancer Day

Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, celebrated National Cancer Awareness Day in the presence of eminent oncologists, (Prof.) Dr. Subir Ganguly, Senior Consultant & Advisor, Radiation Oncology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, Dr. Sayan Das, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass and Dr. Sudeep Das, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass. The evening was filled with stories of survivors, their accounts, and expert views that highlighted early detection, technological advancements, and the will to fight against cancer. The day began with an interactive session where the specialists shared some recovery stories, depicting the seamless amalgamation of medical expertise, patient determination, and holistic cancer management at Manipal Hospital EM Bypass.
A highlight of the event was the presence of cancer survivors, who shared their stories of strength and recovery, inspiring the community with hope and optimism.
Inspiring stories were also shared by several participants, including Mrinal Kanti Kar, 62-year-old, who works as a Senior Marketing Executive for a private company said, “When I first heard the word ‘cancer’, everything inside me stopped. I was diagnosed with gastric (stomach) cancer. I couldn’t eat, I kept losing weight, and fear slowly grew bigger than my body. But my doctors didn’t let me fall, and my wife held my hand through every moment. Today, I still walk, I drive, I work, and I continue my sales journey. I learned that real strength isn’t about having no fear, it’s about moving forward even when fear is right beside you.”
Equally motivating was the case of Kaberi Bose, a 58-year-old housewife, who was presented with breast cancer, said “When I first felt the lump, fear gripped me, but early detection and the incredible care of my doctors gave me hope. Two surgeries, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy were tough, but my family’s love and support carried me through every step. Today, I am healthy, cancer-free, and deeply grateful. This journey taught me that with courage, timely treatment, and the people who stand by you, even the hardest battles can be won.”
Another survivor, Putul Sahoo, a 63-year-old teacher added, “My journey with cervical cancer has been full of challenges from my first surgery in 2020, to facing COVID in 2021, and then a recurrence in 2023. Through it all, Dr. Arunava’s guidance and my loved ones’ support have kept me going. I find strength in simple joys reading, family trips and in the words of the Bengali poem ‘Bongobhumir Proti’ by Michael Madhusudan Dutt: ‘Jonmile morite hobe, amar ke kotha kobe chirosthir hobe.’ These lines remind me to face my fears and live life to the fullest, no matter what comes my way.”
Speaking on the occasion, (Prof.) Dr. Subir Ganguly, Senior Consultant & Advisor, Radiation Oncology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass asserted that awareness and early detection are key to fighting cancer. “Awareness is the first step towards prevention and cure. Many cancers can be completely treated when detected early. With regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices, and timely consultation, we can significantly reduce the burden of cancer in our community. Equally important is addressing the psychological well-being of patients, as mental health plays a critical role in recovery. Support from family and caregivers is invaluable they provide not just emotional strength, but also practical care that makes a real difference in the patient’s journey.”
Dr. Sayan Das, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass talked about the advances in radiotherapy and how combined therapies are playing an increasingly significant role. He shared, “Modern radiotherapy techniques have become highly precise, allowing us to target tumours effectively while protecting surrounding healthy tissues. When integrated with chemotherapy and surgery, these therapies ensure improved control and a better quality of life for our patients.”
Dr. Sudeep Das, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass added to the discussion on new breakthroughs in treatment modalities and the arrival of personalized care. “Immunotherapy and targeted therapy have completely changed the face of cancer care in the last few years. By tailoring treatments to the genetic and molecular profile of a patient, we achieve results that were unimaginable a decade ago.”
The event concluded with a strong message of hope, awareness, and empowerment. It reflected Manipal Hospital EM Bypass’s continued commitment to delivering comprehensive oncology care that combines cutting-edge medical technology with empathy, patient education, and emotional support.