By Our Correspondent
BARGARH: A unique psycho-social support session titled “The Other Side of Cancer” was recently organized by the Bargarh Cancer Fighters Group to offer emotional and mental support to cancer patients and their families. The event saw prominent participation from local leaders, health experts, and cancer survivors.
Bargarh MLA Aswini Sarangi graced the occasion as the chief guest, with Kalpana Majhi attending as the guest of honor. The session was presided over by Prasanna Mishra, President of the Fighters Group, who emphasized the need for such initiatives. MLA Sarangi commended the efforts of the group and voiced the need for a dedicated cancer hospital in Bargarh. He urged the government to take necessary steps, warning that the Fighters Group would organize a movement if demands were not met. The mayor also called for environmental cleanliness and urged the community to work towards a polythene-free zone.
The event featured a two-part session, with the second half dedicated to a panel discussion on the psycho-social dimensions of cancer care. Esteemed speakers, including Odisha’s leading psycho-oncologist Keshav Sharma, Radiation Oncologist Dr. Biswaranjan Routray from VIMSAR, Burla, and Dr. Madhumita Biswal, Assistant Professor from Sambalpur University, addressed the audience. Joining them were Dr. Amrut Majumdar, Consultant Psychologist from Balco Medical Center, Raipur, psycho-counselor Rajnandini Ghosh, cancer survivor Suryakanti Sikandar, and caregiver Rajgopal Dash. The session was moderated by Umeedein Founder, Nitai Goura Panigrahi.
Key Takeaways from the Session
Psycho-oncologist Keshav Sharma stressed the importance of providing not just medical but also emotional support to cancer patients and their families. He highlighted how psycho-social support plays a critical role in managing emotional well-being, mental health, and overall quality of life post-treatment. Sharma emphasized that recovery extends beyond physical health and involves addressing emotional challenges like fear, anxiety, and depression that patients often face after treatment.
Dr. Biswaranjan Routray echoed this sentiment, noting that while clinical treatment is essential, emotional stability for both the patient and their family is crucial for full recovery.
Dr. Madhumita Biswal touched on the societal stigma surrounding cancer, pointing out that misconceptions about the disease can isolate patients and affect their mental health. She emphasized that society must be educated to change their views on cancer and offer support to those affected.
Dr. Amrut Majumdar focused on the role of personal strength and morale in the recovery process, urging families and communities to foster a supportive environment.
Psycho-counselor Rajnandini Ghosh discussed the vital role of caregivers, stating that counseling for caregivers is equally important as it helps them understand the mental state of the patient and provide more effective support.
The event concluded with practical activities involving cancer survivors, their families, and students from psychology and nursing programs, reinforcing the importance of both medical and emotional care in the cancer recovery journey.
This initiative underscores the growing recognition of psycho-social care as an integral part of cancer treatment and recovery, calling for its extension to rural areas, where such support is often lacking.
