World Cancer Day: Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre organises public outreach programme

A public outreach programme was organised by the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre(HBCH&RC), Tata Memorial Centre, Visakhapatnam, a grant-in-aid institute of the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, on the occasion of World Cancer Day on Tuesday (February 4).

Anakapalli District Collector Vijaya Krishnan participated as the chief guest and Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Punjab, participated as a special guest on the occasion.

The theme ‘United by Unique’ highlights the importance of individual experiences as they navigate the cancer diagnosis and treatment process and the vital requirements of awareness and support. As a part of cancer awareness programme, various cancer services were showcased through an exhibition in the premises. Dr. Umesh Mahantshetty, Director of HBCHRC-Visakhapatnam, highlighted the importance of observing World Cancer Day and reiterated that every person should be an ambassador for spreading awareness about prevention, treatment and palliation of cancer. Also, it is equally important for every cancer patient or the caregiver to openly share the hurdles, limitations, coping strategies, happy times and more importantly returning back to family so that every cancer patient’s journey was smooth and pleasant.

Dr Gulia emphasised about the role of Tata Memorial Centre in spreading awareness through nine centres in the country. Visitors were taken on a tour of the cancer facilities available in the campus, including radiation therapy, PET-CT, Radiology, State-of-the-art laboratories, blood centre, bone marrow transplant and inpatient facilities. This event was open to the general public and invited guests.