News Hungama:
Kolkata, May 2, 2025: In a bold step toward challenging the stigma surrounding cancer and fostering a
sense of hope, the Cancer Care and Cure Society of Bengal hosted an impactful awareness session at
Kalamandir. The event underscored a powerful message: cancer is no longer a death sentence, and
many patients today are successfully overcoming the disease, returning to 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,” resonated deeply, offering a message of resilience and optimism for all those affected by
cancer.
The event, spearheaded by esteemed 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), was thoughtfully designed to unite cancer survivors,
their families, healthcare experts, and the wider community in a powerful celebration of resilience,
recovery, and renewed hope for life after cancer.
The evening commenced with a thought-provoking panel discussion led by distinguished doctors, who
offered valuable insights into the latest innovations in cancer treatment, survival, and the transition
back to everyday life after treatment. The program continued with poignant testimonies from cancer
survivors, whose moving personal stories of resilience and hope highlighted the extraordinary strength
of the human spirit in overcoming adversity. Their powerful accounts served as a testament to the
unwavering courage and determination that inspire others facing similar battles.
“Cancer no longer defines the end of a story—it can mark the beginning of a new chapter. With early
detection and evolving treatments, we are not just extending lives—we are restoring hope, dignity, and
the simple joy of living without the shadow of fear.” said senior surgical oncologist, Dr. Gautam
Mukhopadhyay.
“This event is about visibility,” added radiation oncologist, Dr. Sayan Paul. “When people see survivors
telling their stories, it reinforces the fact that cancer can be fought – and won.”
Dr. Tanmay Mandal (medical oncologist) emphasized, “Community support is essential. We want to
create a safe space where patients and their families feel they are not alone.”
“Raising awareness is our biggest tool in changing perceptions,” said Dr. Soumen Das (cancer surgeon).
“And through events like this, we can show that cancer care is evolving – and so are the lives of those
who go through it.”
To conclude the evening on a celebratory note, the audience were treated to a soulful performance by
the acclaimed musical duo Sourendro – Soumyojit, whose music uplifted and unified attendees in a
shared sense of hope and community.
A large number of cancer patients and their families attended the event, making it not only a night of
awareness but also a community gathering of support, solidarity, and healing. Their performance on the
same stage as the celebrity singers accentuated the overall appeal of the program.
While talking about her journey, cancer survivor Gayatri Chatterjee said, “Cancer is not the end—it’s a
challenge to be faced with knowledge, courage, and unwavering determination. I am not just a survivor;
I am proof that hope heals.”
Cancer survivor Pradipta Ghosh also added, “I was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer in 2011 and
underwent surgery in 2012. Since then, I’ve lived a full life riding my motorcycle, meeting friends, and for
over a decade, visiting the homes of people battling cancer to spread awareness and positivity. Cancer
is curable, and there’s nothing to fear when faced with it.”
Additionally, the Institute of Breast Disease, Kolkata, has officially launched ‘Jiboner Sathi’, India’s first
structured Cancer Navigator Program, marking a groundbreaking advancement in patient-centered
cancer care. This pioneering socio-academic initiative aims to transform cancer survivors into trained
Level 1 Navigators who can provide emotional, informational, and practical support to new patients
navigating their cancer journey. Initially focused on breast cancer, ‘Jiboner Sathi’ empowers treated
patients with specialized training in communication and guidance, enabling them to serve as
compassionate companions and credible resources for those newly diagnosed. This program represents
a significant step toward humanizing healthcare and strengthening survivorship care through
community-led support.
“This program is about creating a community of healing through shared experiences,” said Dr. Tanmoy
Mondal and Dr. Soumen Das, Directors at the Institute of Breast Disease. “Our goal is to ensure that no
patient feels alone in their cancer journey.”
Volunteers who have completed their cancer treatment and are willing to support others are invited to
apply. The application form is available at the Institute’s website or may be collected from the Institute
directly.
For more details, visit: www.instituteo@breastdisease.org
