GUWAHATI, Nov 6 � As a salute to the indomitable spirit of man, several cancer survivors were felicitated on November 6 by Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati. This felicitation function on the eve of the National Cancer Awareness Day on November 7 was held not just to honour the survivors but also to spread the message that the battle against the illness can be won with awareness and determination.
The function that was held at the Guwahati Press Club was also attended by Dr. Amal Chandra Kataki, Director, Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute, Guwahati.
Recollecting the past, some of the cancer survivors said that the turning point in their lives was when they were detected with cancer.
�Though I lost something, I also gained some other things in my battle against cancer,� said Girish Chandra Bhattacharya. He has published two books after winning against cancer and two more will be released very soon. He lost his voice but gained in creativity and a wider perspective of life.
What was very noticeable among most of the survivors was that they decided to narrate their battle against the illness through pen. According to another survivor Debaraj Kalita who has published several books after his ordeal, courage is the real anti dote to cancer.
�To win against cancer, courage is most necessary. A courageous man with self confidence can win against cancer and live a long life,� he expressed in writing, adding today cancer is curable if detected early and with proper treatment.
Kalita who has lost his voice said that his illness gave him an opportunity to play with his creativity and that his books are aimed at generating awareness among the people about cancer. �I live my life today to tell the cancer patients that they can win if they are brave.�
Survivor Mangal Singh Jhanjhari added that he lives every moment now knowing that he fought cancer.
