Cancer Survivors Share Experiences and Ask Questions at Awareness Program

Doctor, after cancer is cured, will there be any problem in conceiving? After cancer is cured, will there be a possibility of recurrence? Can one live a normal life after cancer is cured?

At a one-day cancer awareness and motivation program organized today by Suryabinayak Municipality, individuals who have overcome cancer and are living a normal life posed these and many other questions to the cancer specialist. In the program coordinated by the Nepal Cancer Survivor Society, patients struggling with cancer, those who have overcome cancer and are living a normal life, and those currently undergoing chemotherapy and other treatments shared their painful experiences with Dr. Ujjwal Chalise, Chief of Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital.

At the program, Deputy Mayor of Suryabinayak Municipality, Sarita Timisina Bhattarai, stated that the program was successful in inspiring those who have overcome cancer to live life, instilling hope and confidence in patients undergoing treatment, facilitating experience sharing among survivors, and building a collaborative environment among families, health institutions, local government, and the community.

Responding to the questions from cancer patients, Dr. Chalise, Director of Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, said that cancer can be cured with treatment after detection, and problems arise only in the fourth stage. He mentioned that after cancer is cured, one can return to their old life and live comfortably, emphasizing not to panic after diagnosis and to remain under regular treatment and check-ups. He added that it is possible to conceive and give birth after cancer is cured and that awareness about cancer needs to be spread in villages.

The program's chairman and coordinator of the municipality's Social Development Committee, Rabindra Sapkota, highlighted the need to view cancer not just as a physical illness but as a condition connected to mental, social, and economic aspects.

Health Section Chief Basanta Chaulagain stated that according to Suryabinayak Municipality's records, approximately 240 individuals affected by cancer are currently benefiting from various forms of assistance and services. Participants in the program included those undergoing cancer treatment and those who had recovered from cancer within the municipality.