World Cancer Day 2025 theme revolves around the care and compassion
Every diagnosis of cancer carries with it a unique story, woven with emotions of sorrow, struggle, hope, resilience, and love. That’s why, a compassionate care plays a crucial role in achieving the best possible health outcomes. Hence, the theme for this year’s World Cancer Day commemorated on February 4th _ United by Unique _ revolves around care and compassion.
To ensure cancer care is made less painful, both physically and emotionally, healthcare professionals are calling for a better bond within the ecosystem including patients, their care givers, and the doctors treating them.
Commenting on the emotional trauma associated with cancer ailment, *Dr. Kishore B Reddy, Managing Director, Amor Hospital* said, ” Cancer treatment is not just a fight against the disease but a test of the patient’s mental endurance, along with that of their loved ones. Chemotherapy and radiation take a toll, leaving patients exhausted and in pain. The unpredictability of outcomes is often cruel; and moments of relief give way to hours of suffering. Most times we come across patients and their loved ones who push forward through this, drawing on a strength they never knew they had. And all this is possible with the support and care they receive.”
” The journey through cancer is not one to be walked alone. As doctors, we see first hand the immense impact that love, support, and care have on a patient’s recovery. Beyond medicine, it is the warmth of family, the encouragement of friends, and the dedication of caregivers that provide strength during the toughest moments. Emotional well-being is as vital as physical treatment, and the presence of loved ones helps to become ease, reduce fear & stress, and inspire hope. A kind word, a reassuring touch, and unwavering support can make a world of difference in a cancer patient’s fight for healing,” added *Dr. P. Venkatasimha, Sr. Consultant Medical & Haemato Oncologist, Kamineni Hospitals.*
Highlighting the need for people-centric care, *Dr. Rajesh Kumar Reddy Adapala, consultant Urooncologist at Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology** said, ” People-centric cancer care provides an opportunity to refocus on how we think about cancer. Especially when it comes to Urological cancers, patients may hesitate to open up about their problems and don’t discuss even with family members. Individuals living with cancer don’t always feel heard, seen, or understood by those around them. They might feel alienated and at times voiceless! And this comes at a stage when they themselves are also learning to navigate an unfamiliar and confusing health system, not to mention dealing with the emotional highs and lows of cancer diagnosis, treatment, or recovery. This is where a well coordinated approach between the doctors treating those patients and the family members will help in understanding the patient needs better.”
” Cancer is a difficult battle, patients can improve their quality of life and prognosis with the help of strong support networks. A multidisciplinary approach is required for effective cancer treatment, which may include targeted therapies, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and immunotherapy as needed. But medical care is insufficient on its own. Throughout a patient’s journey, supportive care measures are essential. The results of treatment greatly depend on supportive care practices such as pain management, nutritional counselling, physical rehabilitation, and emotional support from friends and family. Nothing can take the place of the emotional support a patient receives from the community at large, even though physicians and medicine play a significant role and developments in early detection and personalized medicine continue to increase survival rates. Cancer treatment is a challenge, but recovery is achievable with the correct medical attention and willpower,” *Dr. Nagendra Parvataneni, senior consultant surgical oncology of KIMS Hospitals* added. Recovery is now more possible than ever thanks to improvements in early detection and personalized medicine, which have greatly increased survival rates.
In conclusion, it is important to note that the World Cancer Day serves as a vital reminder of the global impact of cancer and the urgent need for enhanced awareness, early detection, and the kind of care the patient receives, in addition to the ever-developing treatment protocols. By uniting the individuals undergoing cancer treatment, with the community at large, and with the organizations or support groups working in this space, patients’ life and their fight against cancer can be made better. Hence, the doctors are calling on the community at large to make every action count in the journey towards a world where fewer lives are lost to cancer.