We have started weekly OPDs for ophthalmology, dentistry, physiotherapy and nutrition at our Indian Institute of Head & Neck Oncology. These specialists are available for patients undergoing treatment there.

Repair and renovation work has started for the in-patient wards, minor operation theatre and a pharmacy at the institute.

By December 2010, the Foundation will also receive a linear accelerator from SAMEER, Department of Information Technology, Government of India.

2009

The 7th anniversary of the Breast Cancer Support Group was celebrated on 2nd October 2009. Though October 2, 2009 was not a Sunday, it was decided to hold the programme on that day because the support group was started on 2nd October 2002. Being an anniversary celebration, those being treated for other cancers were invited. About 50 patients and their families attended the programme that was conducted by Ms. Renuka Tarey & Ms. Mitali Gokhale. The two keynote speakers, each a force to reckon with, covered different aspects of patients’ biosphere. The first, Mrs. Chaya Matange, a musician who underwent treatment for ovarian cancer, spoke of the beneficial effect of music during treatment, especially chemotherapy. She explained that music and its notes convey inner strength and can help augment one’s capacity to face any odds in life. The second, Mr. Vivek Hirde, who has been treated for cancer larynx, spoke on the importance of positive energy in life, any life and not just for a life with cancer. He shared his conviction that each cancer patient must become a role model for those others who will eventually follow so that they find the path illuminated by positive thinking. Dr. Tushar Phulambrikar, a working trustee of the Foundation, said that medical insurance is possible after a cancer diagnosis, and reimbursement can be claimed after three years of starting a policy. Unfortunately, not much of an effort is being made to make more and more cancer patients, without medical insurance, aware of this policy. Dr. Phulambrikar asked patients to doggedly pursue this option. Finally, there was also a live demonstration of wig making by Mr. Soni. The anniversary was also an opportunity to introspect and the outcome was the decision to change the format of BCSG. Henceforth, meetings will not be organized at fixed intervals, in short it will have a free flowing format and periodicity.

Prof. Dr. Vandana Jain, MD joined the Indian Institute of Head & Neck Oncology as Radiotherapist & Medical Superintendent. We welcome her on board and look forward to the radiotherapy centre making great strides under her stewardship.

The President of India, Her Excellency Smt. Pratibha Patil presented a citation to Dr. Digpal Dharkar at the Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi, in recognition of his guidance and support to the Amravati Cancer Foundation. The Amravati Cancer Foundation, affiliated to the Indore Cancer Foundation, was started by Dr. Rajinder Singh Arora.