Yoga proves a boon for cancer survivors

KANNUR: Yoga has become a boon for cancer survivors who face many problems due to the side effects of prolonged treatment.   “Yoga is the best way to overcome  the difficulties,”  according to the Kannur-based NGO, Malabar Cancer Care Society (MCCS), which is working among cancer patients. “We started the programme in 2006 with the support of FORCE (Friends for cancer care), the forum of the cancer survivors. As many as 76 persons took yoga classes  and remarkable changes occurred in their  lives,” said D. Krishnanadha Pai,  president of MCCS.

The yoga lessons are imparted by  Kannur University Yoga coordinator Dr T.V. Padmanaban  and guided by oncologists,  including  from the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. “Those who have  undergone oral radiation later experience jaw problems. Jaw muscles become rigid and cannot be opened. Similarly,  saliva used to flow out of their mouth and a bystander has to accompany them  to wipe off the saliva. These  problems were  successfully treated by the yoga training,” said  Dr Pai.

Initially, classes are  given for a day in a week for the cancer survivors. They have to follow it daily at home and it must be  monitored. A monthly review of the training and follow-up  is also done. “The majority of the yoga students at MCCS consist  of aged people. I provide  yoga training as well as psychological counselling to the  survivors,” says Dr Padmanaban. RCC medical superintendent Dr K. Ramdas is closely associated with the programme.