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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.
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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.
