Ahmedabad, (Gujarat), [India], November 7, 2024: The Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute (GCRI) celebrated National Cancer Awareness Day on November 7, 2024, at the Asarwa Civil Hospital campus in Ahmedabad. The theme of the event was “Strength, Hope, and Victory – Saluting Cancer Survivors.” This annual event, celebrated since 2014, aims to raise awareness about cancer detection and treatment in India.
The event was addressed by Dr. Shashank Pandya, Director of GCRI, who highlighted the rising incidence of cancer in India. He pointed out that men are more likely to suffer from lung, stomach, and oral cancers, while women experience higher rates of breast, cervical, and oral cancers. Dr. Pandya emphasized that early detection can make a significant difference in cancer treatment outcomes.
He further mentioned that cancer patients should live their lives with determination and resilience. “There are many examples of people who have triumphed over cancer,” he added. Several cancer survivors were present at the event, showcasing their victory over the disease. Many attendees have successfully returned to a normal life after defeating cancer.
Dineshbhai Makwana, Member of Parliament from Ahmedabad West, expressed his deep appreciation for the event. He remarked, “This is the first time in my life that I have seen so many cancer survivors together at one place. GCRI has taken an exceptional initiative to bring together patients who have survived cancer for 10 to 15 years or more.”
He also acknowledged that people from various parts of India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other states, come to GCRI for treatment. The institute ensures that these patients have access to all necessary facilities and care.
A unique aspect of the event was that cancer survivors themselves managed the entire program. More than 100 cancer survivors, who had battled the disease for over a decade, took on roles like leading prayers and lighting lamps, contributing to the event’s success.
During the event, over 20 cancer survivors shared their personal stories of triumph, discussing the emotional, social, and financial struggles they faced and how they overcame them. These stories resonated deeply with the audience and inspired many.
To honor their courage, each cancer survivor was presented with a memento. At the end of the event, everyone released balloons into the sky, symbolizing unity and spreading awareness about the fight against cancer.
The celebration demonstrated the strength and unity of cancer survivors and conveyed an important message of hope, courage, and increased awareness within the community. The event featured over 100 cancer survivors who have been living cancer-free for over 10 years, having fought against various types of cancer, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, leukemia, gastric cancer, brain cancer, bone cancer, and those who underwent bone marrow transplants.
