GUWAHATI, June 25 � With increase in life expectancy, changing lifestyle and habits, growing urbanization, pollution and population growth, the incidence of cancer is rapidly increasing in India. About 10 lakh new cancer patients have been detected in the country and there are approximately 30 lakh cancer patients in the country. As per Population Based Cancer Registry of ICMR, the incidence of cancer is highest in Assam and the northeastern region.
�Due to illiteracy, poverty, fear and myths associated with the disease, many patients seek medical help at a fairly advanced stage. These patients require supportive care. Cancer is a disease which causes terrible psycho-somatic sufferings not only to the patients but also to the family members and friends,� said Dr AC Kataki, Director, Dr Bhubaneswar Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI), Guwahati.
With the objective of providing supportive care to patients, BBCI now plans to involve the services of senior citizens and individuals from society as volunteers, who would play a meaningful role by interacting with patients to help them cope with their present condition and assist them in completing treatment with courage and conviction.
�Love and affection of the volunteers will improve the quality of life of the patients. Volunteers can choose from a wide range of activities to help the cancer patients on their own. It is truly rewarding to help the cancer patients and their families in a special way,� Dr Kataki said.
The role of the volunteer participation will be worked out in a joint meeting before the implementation of the programme.
�Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute invites interested senior citizens and individuals from society to join as volunteers to spend just an hour or two with the cancer patients, once in a month,� Dr Kataki said.
According to him, the fight against cancer is complete only with the participation of volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to help patients on their long, strenuous journey to recovery.
�Volunteers form an indispensable part of cancer care. In the western countries, people from all walks of life participate in such programmes. Just a few hours with the patients could make a big difference. Volunteering is a highly rewarding experience. A senior citizen can share his expertise, pick up new skills and meet new people at the same time,� he said.
