A courageous outlook, albeit seldom seen. Generally, cancer patients struggle with issues of diagnosis and treatment. Shock and disbelief are usually immediate reactions to the diagnosis. Mixed emotions of anxiety, anger and depression follow as it sinks in. As options and treatment plans are discussed, the patient starts to adjust and prepare for the next steps.

The problem with cancer is its constantly increasing incidence rates. The statistics from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) show that cancer cases in India are rising[i] at an alarming rate and the situation isn’t going to improve going by ICMR projections for 2020[ii].

This isn’t just another quote for people who’ve lived through the most challenging phase of their life- ‘battling Cancer’ and finally, managed to survive through it. Just thinking about the disease gives anyone goosebumps, so imagine how incredibly difficult it would have been for those who’ve fought with it. Along with medical treatments, their willpower and the support of loved ones must have been an important anchor for them during such rough times.

Cancer, as we know, is a life-threatening disease that causes malignant cells to grow in the body at an uncontrollable rate. Curing cancer is mostly possible, only when it is detected at an early stage. So, timely diagnosis and treatment is a key factor for survival.

However, even treatment of cancer is a daunting struggle in itself, because of the intense challenges involved throughout. So, let us have a look at some brave cancer survivors who fought and won over this deadly disease-

Cancer can afflict anyone. Yet, when it comes to preparedness for cancer, most of us believe that we don’t need to. Why? Because we are all fit and healthy, miles away from cancer, and that is not without good reason either. Who could have guessed that Yuvraj Singh, a famous Indian cricketer, who was instrumental in leading the team to a world cup win, would soon be battling cancer? Luckily, he was diagnosed early and fought back to win the battle.

There is an interesting Japanese proverb about raising children, "It only takes two to bring them to life, but it takes a whole village to raise one." This proverb summarizes the effort needed to prepare children to stand in the world. Education being the most crucial aspect of your children’s development, you would only want the best for them.

However, the rising cost of education in India has made this dream a difficult one. Here’s why: Management degree from IIM-Ahmedabad that costs Rs 21 lakhs today, is likely to increase to Rs 95 lakhs by the year 2025 (due to rising education inflation). Similarly, engineering course that costs Rs 8-10 lakhs is probably going to cost Rs 17-20 lakhs in next eight years.

Thus, parents are finding it hard to meet the educational expenses, be it primary, secondary or higher education.

It was a small get-together to celebrate a friend’s work anniversary. We were privileged to have a cancer specialist with us. As we waited for the dinner to be served, the conversation shifted from chitchats to discussion on cancer. The doctor was happy to field our questions. Here are some common cancer myths that he helped debunk.