Her world came shattering down the day when she was diagnosed with stage-III ovarian cancer. But even before the initial shock subsided, Vandana Atre had decided to fight it out.
Soon, she underwent a surgery by an eminent oncosurgeon in Nashik. Then, came the most difficult part: chemotherapy coupled with pain, distress and mental trauma — all at the same time. But she was not to lose, especially after having learnt from her doctor that her condition was, in fact, curable.
While she developed her own mechanisms to fight the pain and distress, oncologist Dr Raj Nagarkar fought her disease, and together they won the battle against cancer. Lying on her hospital bed, the endless despairing hours inspired Vandana to take up what she is passionate about: writing. And, thus, came into being the Marathi translation of the book Q & A by Vandana Atre, which was later adaptted into the movie Slumdog Millionaire.
Stating that cancer was no longer the incurable disease it used to be, Dr Raj Nagarkar said, “Today, cancer has come to be termed as a chronic disease, with early diagnosis and availing proper treatment giving the patients a fat chance of survival.” Though the incidence of cancer is on rise, “the fast growth of modern medicine and strides in research have changed the attitude of patients, caretakers, doctors and other medic staff tackling the disease to a more positive and hopeful one”, said Dr Raj Nagarkar, surgical oncologist and chairman of Curie Manavata Cancer Centre.
In times when the trend of nuclear set-ups disregard familial, friends and societal support, it is the counsellors who must play that role. No wonder then that Vandana takes pride in counselling cancer patients and their caretakers. “Today, support of near and dear ones is a crucial factor. Along with the high cost of the treatment, there is a huge gap between the many willing donors and needy patients. A coordinating agency is the need of the hour.”
Worried about the increasing cancer incidence in the young, Dr Nagarkar recommends lifestyle care in the prevention of cancer — a major area of focus today. “Proper diet, regular schedule and regular check-ups are a must. While the young must learn to abstain from vices like addictions, every girl sould be vaccinated for anti-cervical cancer,” he stated.
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