Cancer survivors exhort patients to fight disease
200 cancer survivors across the country participated in Cancer Survivors Conclav
By : uma kannan
Update: 2014-08-03 06:26 GMT
Chennai: A.S. Vijayalakshmi was just 38 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1979. “I was in stage 2 and those days people were afraid of cancer. When I was diagnosed, my three daughters were very young,” says the survivor, whose granddaughter has now completed Ph.D. in breast cancer in the US.
“Every time when I meet people affected by cancer, I tell them it’s curable, we can all fight and win it. It’s been 35 years now and I'm physically strong, except for back pain,” said the survivor.
More than 200 cancer survivors across the country participated in Cancer Survivors Conclave, sharing their stories and encouraging cancer patients to cultivate a fighting spirit.
As a 14-year-old boy, S. Ganess got admitted in the Cancer Institute in 1978 for lymphoma cancer. After he got cured of cancer, he went on to complete M.Phil in catering management and is now principal of Institute of Hotel Management in Puducherry.
Married in 1994, the survivor participated in the conclave with his wife Shanthi and 17-year-old son. “Earlier, I was hesitant to talk about cancer. But now I can say that I’m a survivor,” said Ganess.
Survivors at the conclave said they were leading a normal life just like anyone else.
An HIV positive and diabetic, Swarna (name changed) from Tirunelveli was diagnosed with cervical cancer and got treated only six months ago. “Now I know I can fight anything and win HIV too,” she said.
Survivors across the country came to the city and will also participate in an awareness run, organised by Cancer Institute as part of its diamond jubilee celebrations, on Sunday.