Bladder Cancer
Kolkata based Medica Superciality Hospital launches Bladder Cancer Support Group for patients and survivors
Kolkata/IBNS: Support from family members and friends is crucial for any person suffering from cancer while early diagnosis can help for those afflicted with bladder cancer, emphasised Dr Abhay Kumar, Head of Urology, Surgical Oncology and Robotic Surgery, at Medica Superspecialty Hospital, Kolkata.
He was addressing a gathering of bladder cancer survivors and their families as part of the Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, and the launch of a support group for the survivors.
He also talked at length about bladder cancer, how early diagnosis can help, and about treatment.
According to the hospital, invasive bladder cancer affects 430,000 individuals worldwide annually and approximately 2.7 million people around the world today have bladder cancer.
West Bengal is said to be one of the leading bladder cancer states in India, according to the doctors.
A history of tobacco smoking, industrial exposure to potential carcinogens such as aromatic amines and carbon black dust, and long-term drinking of arsenic-contaminated or chlorinated water puts individuals at higher risk, according to subject specialists.
Dr Kumar said that the theme for the Bladder Cancer Awareness Month this year is ‘Don't Go Red Go to a Doctor’ which focuses on overcoming embarrassment among people.
“We are often too uncomfortable to discuss or seek professional help because the symptoms are similar to that of a urinary tract infection. Due to lack of awareness, India alone reports close to 20,000 new cases every year. If detected early these types of cancers are treatable, however, there is a risk of tumor recurrence, which necessitates regular monitoring.”
"Bladder cancer is a common cancer, and the treatment requires long-term follow-up, which causes the person and family a lot of anxiety, which adds to the stress,” said Dr Kumar. “To have a perceived mental frame of mind for the patient, caregivers must provide a lot of support.”
As part of their care-giving role, the hospital has launched a Bladder Cancer Support Group to help patients and caregivers understand the disease, treatments, and outcomes.
“This will strive to create a forum for Bladder Cancer survivors to gather and share their stories and concerns, giving them the feeling that they are not alone,” Dr Kumar said. “Bladder cancer requires long-term follow up as there are chances that it might relapse if the patient is not under proper care or supervision. It is also important for the person to stay happy and the purpose of the support group is to provide them with that.”
(Reporting by Shriya Biswas)
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