Manipal Hospitals Goa, one of India’s foremost healthcare-providers, honoured the brave spirit of the Cancer survivor, Nidhin Valsan, IPS, Superintendent of Police, (North Goa) on the occasion of World Cancer Day at an event held at the hospital premises.
The event was organised in the presence of Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospitals Goa, Dr.Shekhar Salkar, Sr.Consultant Oncology Surgeon at Manipal Hospitals Goa, Dr.Jacob George-Consultant Medical Oncologist at Manipal Hospitals Goa, Dr. Gunjan Baijal-Consultant Radiation Oncologist at Manipal Hospitals Goa, Dr. Mahadeva Swamy B C-Consultant Hemato oncologist at Manipal Hospitals Goa, Dr. Shreedharan, Consultant Oncology Surgeon, Manipal Hospitals Goa, Dr. Aditya Gosavi, Medical Superintendent at Manipal Hospitals Goa and Hari Prasad, Sales and Marketing Head at Manipal Hospitals Goa.
In recent times, India has seen an increase in the incidence of cancer due to factors such as urbanisation, industrialisation, lifestyle changes, and population growth. Sadly, more than 70% of these cases are reported in advanced stages, leading to poor survival rates. Accessibility to early diagnosis as well as access to optimal treatment systems is essential for India to improve survival rates, states a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director, Manipal Hospitals Goa, said: “World Cancer Day 2022-2024 theme is ‘Close the Care Gap’. The gap in care can be closed only when we join hands and take action to ensure that resources become available equally to all enabling the needy and the rich to get access to the right care.
World Cancer Day is one singular initiative under which the entire world can unite together in the fight against the global cancer epidemic. With the initiative, Manipal Hospitals, Goa aims to achieve the objective of raising awareness about various types of cancers and how certain types of cancer can be prevented through vaccination and significant lifestyle changes.”
Dr. Shekhar Salkar, Consultant Oncology Surgeon, Manipal Hospitals, Goa, said: “It is a matter of great pride for Manipal Hospitals, Goa that it is a celebration for those who have survived, an inspiration for those recently diagnosed, a gathering of support for families and an outreach to the community. The occasion was aimed at empowering patients, families and society at large to make informed decisions regarding prevention, planning and various treatment options available to them. The event was a part of Manipal Hospitals’ continuous endeavour to raise awareness about the prevention of cancer, the importance of early diagnosis to treat the disease effectively and to provide support to the cancer survivors.”
Nidhin Valsan, IPS, Superintendent of Police, (North Goa) said: “Today majority of cancers can be cured because of advancements in technology in all fields of cancer treatments which are medical oncology, radiation oncology, and surgical oncology. New technologies play a vital role to control several cancers. I am glad to be part of the initiative taken by Manipal Hospitals, Goa in creating awareness amongst the general public as it is a recognition of cancer survivors’ incredible grit, zest for life, and self-belief.”
