My story by Harmala Gupta, Delhi, India
A personal experience – I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma when I was 33 years old - changed my life and career trajectory. It was not as important to finish my Ph.D. as it was to reach out to other cancer survivors.
At the time cancer support groups were unknown in India. Cancer was a diagnosis every one hid. My first thought, therefore, on my return was to think of a way to assist people to share their concerns.
I approached oncologists who were initially dismissive. The first reaction was, “This is a western concept. In India we have a family”. However, having participated in a peer-based support group in Toronto I knew just how needed it was for both patient and family.
I was lucky to attract a group of like minded people. We got an opportunity to visit patients in a breast cancer clinic. The needs were simple and ranged from curtains to shield women as their breasts were being examined to sickness bags so that they did not vomit on the floor. Help with medicines and breast prostheses followed. This was besides the emotional release felt by those who were able to talk for the first time about how they felt.
Since then cancer support in India has come a long way. I now head CanSupport which is bringing palliative care to the homes of cancer patients living in Delhi. I am privileged to be its founder.