Actress Regina Cassandra joins Cancer Survivors in “Celebration of Life” on the eve of Cancer Survivors Day at Apollo Hospitals today

Hyderabad, June 4^th, 2016: Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Hyderabad and CURE Foundation organized 'Celebration of Life' on the eve of Cancer Survivors' Day (June 5, 2016), on Saturday at Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills. Chief Guest Ms. Regina Cassandra, Film Actress; Ms Sangita Reddy, Jt M.D., Apollo Hospitals; Dr Hari Prasad, President, Apollo Hospitals & Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy, Director, Apollo Cancer Hospital, joined Cancer Survivors and patients to appreciate the courage of brave cancer survivors and boost the morale of cancer patients undergoing treatment. Survivors shared their experience, responded to questions from patients, and celebrated the occasion by singing and dancing.

On this occasion, Ms. Regina Cassandra unveiled 'Symbol of Resilience' – a plant symbolizing life, enduring strength and resilient will to survive. Speaking to the gathering she said, today is a positive day, Cancer survivors' day is a big milestone in creating positive vibes amongst cancer patients. There are several people involved behind the scenes in conquering cancer, the doctors, nurses, social workers. Cancer is just not a physical pain, but an emotional one too, the patient wonders why he. I had family and friends with cancer, so I know the pain associated and in such a scenario, the message of cancer survivors' day that cancer can be cured is a huge boost to patients. Therefore we need to spread the message of cancer being curable and I will do my bit, she said. I appreciate Apollo Cancer hospital for the amazing work they are doing. She said, we look at all our problems through a magnifying glass, but they are minute in comparison to the trauma cancer patients endure.

Citing the example of one of the cancer survivors present at the program, 85 year old Appalachari, who translated Bhagavad-Gita into Urdu after successfully combating cancer, Ms. Regina Cassandra said, he is a true inspiration for all cancer patients with a strong message that cancer is curable and one can lead a normal life post that. In the past cancer was dreaded by everyone, but in the recent years cancer care has made rapid strides with new treatments and techniques to treat cancer. However the key to cancer treatment is early diagnosis, which makes cancer treatment easy.

Ms Sangita Reddy said, the Cancer Survivors Day is a very special occasion, we are extremely happy to see juvenile cancer survivors lead a normal life and the senior survivors are an inspiration to all. Do not be scared with cancer, the outcomes are positive if detected early, she said. Today we are able to get outstanding results in cancer treatment because of state of the art technology and excellent capabilities of our doctors. There is a need to focus on screening, early detection and prevention, she added.

Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy said cancer was always perceived as a death sentence. That's not the case anymore, the latest technology and treatments available and the zeal in the patient to fight cancer have made enormous difference in the treatment of cancer and the hope is real for cancer patients. The cancer survivors who have successfully combated and conquered the dreaded cancer disease are the real heroes. These heroes speaking and presenting their real life experience is much more convincing to the depressed cancer patients and they too see a ray of hope. This builds the confidence of the patients to fight their own battle against cancer, he said.

Dr. Reddy said, there has been tremendous development in cancer treatment in the recent past - minimal invasive surgery, targeted therapy, new chemotherapy drugs and high precision radiotherapy are some of the latest and highly effective arsenals in combating this disease. Unlike in the past, today we are able to cure almost 75% of the cancer cases. The balance 25% is failing because of late detection. Stage 2 or 3 or 4 cancers are difficult to treat, he said and advised regular annual check-ups after 40 years of age. Amongst juvenile cancers the survival rate is as good as 85%, he pointed out.

Don't be scared of cancer! Be scared of late diagnosis of cancer! Everyone should get regular check-ups to enhance the chance of early diagnosis. Even if you are diagnosed of cancer, maintain positive attitude and follow your doctor's advice. Don't worry about side effects of cancer treatment, they are temporary and you will emerge a winner, added Dr. Reddy. He wanted Cancer survivors to proudly proclaim themselves to be survivors, as surviving from cancer is no more a stigma.

About CURE Foundation

CURE Foundation is a spirited initiative to create consciousness on cancer prevention, early detection, cure & rehabilitation specially for the needful. In addition to spreading awareness for the benefit of the society, the foundation has so far made available quality cancer treatment to more than 500 needy patients, and engaged in numerous rehabilitation, research and education programs.

About Apollo Cancer Hospital

Apollo Cancer Hospitals, Hyderabad is the first super specialty cancer hospital in the country. Technological supremacy, global protocols, outstanding clinical expertise and outcomes that benchmark with the best in the world, is what sets it apart from other hospitals.

-Press note