Apollo Cancer Centres launches ‘CanWin' to support patients, survivors, and caregivers
Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has launched CanWin, a cancer support group designed to provide structured emotional and psychological support to patients, survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals.
Unveiled during National Cancer Survivors Month, the initiative aims to complement clinical treatment with survivor-led guidance, therapy-based storytelling and open dialogue.
The launch event began with survivors sharing their personal narratives of treatment, recovery and coping. A 10-year-old Medulloblastoma survivor from Chennai shared his experience, starting with how a routine check-up led to answers for many of his symptoms.
A Hodgkin lymphoma survivor spoke about her delayed diagnosis and complex treatment journey. 'Just months after giving birth, I discovered a lump — first mistaken for tuberculosis. What followed were relapses, five lines of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and 35 rounds of radiation. I missed my child's early years, but I came through with the support of my family and medical team,' she said.
Priyanka Bagdi, a leukemia survivor, doctor and author of a book about her experience, spoke about her prolonged hospital stays and the emotional toll of treatment. Experts at the event stressed that while clinical outcomes are improving with advanced diagnostics and early detection, stigma around cancer screening and diagnosis remains a significant barrier. In a panel discussion that followed they called for urgent efforts to normalise conversations around diagnostic tools and to strengthen psychosocial support within cancer care.
The programme will continue through monthly support group meetings, survivor-led workshops, expert sessions and volunteering opportunities.
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Hosp launches cancer support group for survivors to build community
Chennai: "A quick Google search for cancer floods you with fear. This needs to change," said Naveena Kasi, whose 10-year-old son Lithin survived medulloblastoma, a paediatric brain tumour. "My son survived. It's not always a death sentence." Naveena was speaking at the launch of CanWin, a national cancer support platform rolled out across 25 Apollo Cancer Centres on Wednesday. The initiative aims to bring survivors, patients, caregivers, and medical professionals together to share experiences, foster community, and promote access to accurate information. The event featured 'Stories from the Stage', where four survivors recounted how support, both clinical and emotional, helped them navigate difficult phases of treatment. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai Priyanka Bagdi, a doctor who survived leukaemia, recalled celebrating her 29th birthday in the ward. "I was in remission. That day with the doctors and nurses marked a turning point, it reminded me I was still living." Shrikar, diagnosed with a rare optic nerve cancer, said music became a form of therapy. "I brought my speaker for chemo sessions. Listening to my favourite bands gave me something to look forward to. I wrote a song too." Dr Revathy Raj, senior consultant in paediatric haematology oncology at Apollo, spoke about how structured support groups, such as those pioneered by St Jude Children's Research Hospital in the 1960s, have transformed patient care.
Time of India
a day ago
- Time of India
Apollo Cancer Centres launches 'CanWin' support group
New Delhi: Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs) has launched 'CanWin', a cancer support group aimed at creating a shared space for patients, survivors, caregivers, oncologists, and volunteers. The initiative is In recognition of National Cancer Survivors Month. According to ACCs, CanWin is a brand-agnostic platform focused on providing emotional support and community-based healing. The initiative aims to bring together various stakeholders in the cancer journey—including psycho-oncologists and healthcare professionals—to offer guidance, empathy, and shared experiences. The group is intended to be a space to talk, listen, and heal, whether someone is recently diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or living beyond cancer. The initiative was launched with a storytelling session led by cancer survivors, who shared personal narratives of their journeys. The event also included professional storytellers who mentored participants in using their stories as a tool for healing and connection. Oncologists attending the launch emphasized the improvement in cancer survival rates across age groups, especially with early detection and advances in treatment. They noted that initiatives like CanWin contribute to emotional recovery and enhance quality of life during and after treatment. It is stated that the CanWin support group will offer monthly gatherings, storytelling therapy , survivor-led workshops, expert Q&A sessions, and volunteer opportunities.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Apollo Cancer Centres launches ‘CanWin' to support patients, survivors, and caregivers
Apollo Cancer Centres (ACC) has launched CanWin, a cancer support group designed to provide structured emotional and psychological support to patients, survivors, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Unveiled during National Cancer Survivors Month, the initiative aims to complement clinical treatment with survivor-led guidance, therapy-based storytelling and open dialogue. The launch event began with survivors sharing their personal narratives of treatment, recovery and coping. A 10-year-old Medulloblastoma survivor from Chennai shared his experience, starting with how a routine check-up led to answers for many of his symptoms. A Hodgkin lymphoma survivor spoke about her delayed diagnosis and complex treatment journey. 'Just months after giving birth, I discovered a lump — first mistaken for tuberculosis. What followed were relapses, five lines of chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant and 35 rounds of radiation. I missed my child's early years, but I came through with the support of my family and medical team,' she said. Priyanka Bagdi, a leukemia survivor, doctor and author of a book about her experience, spoke about her prolonged hospital stays and the emotional toll of treatment. Experts at the event stressed that while clinical outcomes are improving with advanced diagnostics and early detection, stigma around cancer screening and diagnosis remains a significant barrier. In a panel discussion that followed they called for urgent efforts to normalise conversations around diagnostic tools and to strengthen psychosocial support within cancer care. The programme will continue through monthly support group meetings, survivor-led workshops, expert sessions and volunteering opportunities.
