Cancer Survivors’ Day turns extra special with movie date: Nearly 150 cancer survivors and their near & dear ones today bonded with their doctors and nurses over film and popcorn as they enjoyed themselves at an exclusive screening of the Salman Khan starrer latest film ‘Bharat’ organised for them by Saarthak, the Cancer Support Group of Fortis Cancer Institute, Mohali, at a city-based mall multiplex.
The get-together of the Cancer Survivors was done to celebrate the Cancer Survivors Day that is celebrated worldwide to ‘demonstrate that life after a cancer diagnosis can be a reality’. The cancer survivors thoroughly enjoyed the movie as well as the snacks served to them. “When you are faced with this dreaded disease, your life changes dramatically and you tend to become depressed and full of self-pity,” stated Satish Bhatia, who was diagnosed with cancer and underwent treatment at Fortis.
Satinder Kaur, another survivor of breast cancer, said: “All of us are so thankful to Fortis for bringing us here in this happy environment. All of us forgot our troubles over the last few hours. As important, we met other survivors and were able to exchange viewpoints and experiences which has done wonders to us psychologically and helped strengthen our resolve to fight this disease.”
Dr Rajeev Bedi, Director – Medical Oncology, Fortis Cancer Institute, Mohali suggested to the Cancer Survivors to reach out to other members of the community and get them to join any free support group like Saarthak. “Typically, patients tend to become emotional and start feeling that other people can’t understand what they are going through. This makes it hard for them to relate to other people and can lead to loneliness. Don’t let them deal with their loneliness on their own. Help them join a support group with other cancer survivors who are having the same emotions,” Dr Bedi said.
Dr Narendra Bhalla, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, Fortis Cancer Institute, Mohali, said, “While undergoing radiation, many patients feel scared and insecure about the future. These get-togethers help them meet people who’ve benefitted from the treatment due to their positive outlook. We hope this day turns out to be a celebration of the survivors’ indomitable spirit!”
