HYDERABAD: Who is a cancer patient’s worst enemy? Addressing a gathering of cancer survivors, their families and oncologists, a cancer specialist said that relatives and friends are worst enemies of a cancer patient as they bring in negativity.
Apart from discussions on how to stay positive, impact of nutrition was also spoken about at a panel discussion on ‘Cancer is Conquerable’ held here as part of third edition of Apollo Cancer Conclave and seven edition of the Cancer CI-2017.
Vijay Anand Reddy, director of Apollo Cancer Institute, said that he tells patients that their worst enemies are relatives and patients as most of them who visit to console patient bring negativity.
“I keep telling them to ask their friends not to come. If they ask ‘How are you doing?’, tell them you are doing fantastic. Don’t allow them to get into the discussion of cancer. Nine out of ten relatives and close friends have negativity. You should avoid discussing cancer with them,” Dr Vijay Anand said.
Actress Manisha Koirala, a cancer survivor, who was part of the discussion, spoke on why staying positive is important and how a friend of hers asked her to consider consider Chemotherapy as vitamin supplement rather than something which is harmful.
At the event, cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment shared how patients are kept away from family gatherings like dinners or other occasions.
Role of nutrition and lack of it was highlighted during the discussion. Dr Srinivas Chakravarthy said that majority of the patients are from middle-class, lower middle-class familites and malnutrition increases infection. “We need a social support system which addresses it,” Dr Srinivas said.
Dr Vijay Anand said that patients should be allowed to eat what they want to.