New Chandigarh: July Observed as Sarcoma Awareness Month Worldwide; Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital Hosts Interactive Patient-Doctor Meet in New Chandigarh.
In recognition of Sarcoma Awareness Month, observed globally in July, the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (HBCHRC), Punjab hosted an interactive session at its New Chandigarh campus.
The event brought together senior doctors, sarcoma patients, and their caregivers for a meaningful dialogue and awareness session.
Dr. Ashish Gulia, Director of the institute, opened the session by highlighting the purpose behind this gathering. He said, "We organize this meet specifically in July to raise awareness about sarcoma among the general public. This month gives us an opportunity to educate and engage more effectively."
Explaining the symptoms and nature of sarcoma, Dr. Ashish Gulia shared, "Sarcoma is a type of cancer that can originate in muscles or bones. Treatment of sarcoma, depends on the stage of cancer. Any lump or swelling in the muscles or bones that continues to grow could be a tumor. Sarcoma’s are usually painless, however if it causes persistent pain, there's a high chance it may be bone-related."
He reassured patients not to panic, as effective treatments for these tumors are available.Addressing patients and caregivers present at the meet, he emphasized the importance of early medical consultation when symptoms appear.
Dr. Ashish Gulia also spoke about the support available at the hospital, including financial aid for underprivileged patients. He underscored the value of community and peer interaction among patients and caregivers, saying, "Being connected helps patients encourage one another and gain strength from shared experiences. Sessions like this foster a sense of unity and support."
He added, "At Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, we do everything in our power to treat every patient who comes to us. While we may not be able to save every life, we ensure that every possible treatment available in the world is made accessible to our patients."
A team of senior doctors, including Dr. Seema Gulia, Dr. Nikhil Tandon, Dr. Prabhat Ganju, Dr. Sahil Sood, and Dr. Nidhi Dhariwal, answered health-related queries from patients and their families, particularly those concerning bone cancer, during this discussion.
Dr. Seema Gulia and Dr. Nikhil Tandon explained to patients that sarcoma may require other therapies apart from surgery for treatment. It's important to understand that there are different types of bone cancer, and various combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy are used for different types of cancer.
Dr. Prabhat Ganju and Dr. Sahil Sood continued the discussion, emphasizing that it's crucial for patients and their families to understand not to stop treatment after just surgery. Patients must complete the entire treatment plan prescribed by doctors, whether it's radiotherapy or additional chemotherapy. They stressed the importance of ensuring the full course of treatment is completed, as this is essential to save many lives.
HBCHRC Hosts Anesthesia Workshop Under ISA World SIVA Congress
HBCHRC successfully organized a workshop titled "Total Intravenous Anesthesia (TIVA) in Difficult Airway – A Practical Approach" as part of the ISA World SIVA Congress. Dr. Lalita Gauri Mitra and Dr. Harsimran Walia served as the program directors and coordinators for the workshop.
Medical professionals and representatives from across India attended the workshop, participating in hands-on training sessions focusing on TIVA techniques and handling challenging airway scenarios.
Dr. Ashish Gulia emphasized the importance of such training sessions in advancing anesthesia practices and improving patient safety, stating, "Continued education and hands-on training are essential for healthcare professionals to adapt to the evolving challenges in medicine."
About the Hospital: Dedicated to providing world-class cancer care to the people of Punjab and neighboring regions, the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in August 2022. Located in New Chandigarh (Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district), the hospital was established by Tata Memorial Centre at a cost exceeding ₹660 crore and operates under the Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India.
The hospital is a tertiary care facility with a capacity of 300 beds and offers comprehensive cancer treatment including surgery, radiotherapy, medical oncology, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and bone marrow transplant.
It serves as a regional hub for cancer care, with a 125-bed satellite center in Sangrur acting as its spoke.