Manipal Hospitals Bengaluru Pledges For A ‘Cancer Less Future’

In an attempt to raise awareness and build cancer care capacity for a future without cancer, Manipal Hospitals Bengaluru today launched “Centre of Excellence for Immunotherapy, Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC)” at its premises today.

Aimed at educating people on early screening to detect and defect cancer, the hospital also unveiled a Dream Catcher, which is a positive element to signify Good Health on World Cancer Day. The Centre of Excellence for Immunotherapy and the campaign were launched by Ms. Manisha Koirala, Actress, Model and Cancer Survivor in the presence of Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman Manipal Hospitals, Dr. Somashekhar S.P, Chairman & HOD Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospitals Bengaluru & Dr. Amit Rauthan, Medical Oncologist, Manipal Hospitals Bengaluru.

Cancer is a disease caused primarily due to environmental and genetic factors. It can affect almost any part of the body. According to National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research (NICPR), an estimated number of around 2.25 million people are living with cancer.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. H. Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman Manipal Hospitals said, “The reason behind the alarming statistics of cancer is the ignorance and denial of people, which often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, problem lies in management of cancer and not the disease. In order to resolve the issue, Manipal Hospitals aim is to invest in best of technology in terms of treatment and create opportunities to make them accessible to public thereby reducing the burden of transportation. In fact, we have been supporting the cause of cancer awareness for years now with various initiatives. This year in order to take control of one’s health with the latest in cancer care; Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre has launched the Centre of Excellence for Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) as well as Centre of Excellence for Immunotherapy which are game changers in management of cancer.”

Speaking on the occasion renowned Model, Actress and Cancer Survivor Ms. Manisha Koirala said, “Cancer is deadly and very traumatizing. However, we can overcome it by adapting a positive attitude and healthy lifestyle. Being a cancer survivor myself, I learnt that having a positive mind and attitude towards could help us overcome our fears. However, there is need for creating awareness on cancer, early detection and working towards preventing the disease. I am glad to be a part of this initiative by Manipal Hospitals where I can encourage people and contribute towards the cause to some extent.”

Though cancer is a major cause of mortality, it can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle. Consumption of tobacco, alcohol and junk food can also enhance risk of cancer. It is important to follow a regular fitness regime. Significant proportion of cancers can be cured by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy and immunotherapy, especially if they are detected early.

Elaborating on Immunotherapy and HIPEC & PIPEC, Dr. Somashekhar S.P, Chairman & HOD Surgical Oncology, Manipal Hospitals Bengaluru said, “Ensuring the availability of and access to, early detection programs for cancer can significantly reduce the cancer burden in all countries. For many low- and middle-income countries, the provision of a skilled cancer workforce to diagnose and manage cancer is a key barrier to the delivery of early detection. However, with advancements in cancer treatments like Immunotherapy and Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC), the burden of cancer care has reduced. In fact, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Center at Manipal Hospital is the referral Center for HIPEC and PIPAC across Asia for advanced ovarian cancer and GI peritoneal cancers and highest number of HIPEC and PIPAC in entire Asia are done here”.

Considering this year’s theme for World Cancer Day, “I am and I will”, Manipal Hospitals have also launched a campaign called ‘Cancer Can Be Defeated’ as a personal positive commitment. The rationale behind this campaign is to raise awareness about cancer and encourage public to lead a healthy lifestyle, which is signified by unveiling a Dream Catcher in the premises of Hospital & other public places across the city.

In addition, a cancer troop created by Manipal Hospitals has been initiated with NGOs across 31 districts in Karnataka in order to promote the fight against cancer. The hospital even plans to organize a series of events for the next 6-7 months.

Present at the event Dr. Amit Rauthan, Medical Oncologist, Manipal Hospitals Bengaluru said, “Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that helps body’s immune system to fight cancer which now is expanding in many kinds of cancers. It not only helps cancer patients survive longer with good quality of life but also potentially cures some advanced cancer patients. On the other hand, while Pressurized IntraPeritoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a minimally invasive therapy, Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment option for people who have advanced surface spread of cancer within the abdomen, without disease involvement outside of the abdomen. Both of which have lot of advantages like reducing chemotherapy side effects, improving chemotherapy absorption and susceptibility of cancer cells and so on.”

“Immunotherapy is the most recent advance in cancer management and is now being used in the treatment of many cancers. It works by allowing the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer cells. The major advantage is that it does not have the side effects of chemotherapy; and in patients who respond, the response can last for very long. Thus it not only helps cancer patients survive longer with good quality of life, but can also potentially cure some advanced cancer patients. “ Dr. Amit added.

Manipal Hospitals has always been on the forefront in providing world-class oncology treatment. Be it Digital Mammography with Tomosynthesis technology used in breast cancer care or Linear Accelerator (LINAC) used in general cancer management or robotic minimal invasive cancer surgeries, its endeavor to make a difference in cancer treatments has enabled the hospital to emerge as one of the prominent healthcare providers in the country. Now with Immunotherapy in unleashing the power of the immune system against cancer, Manipal Hospitals has added one more feather in cap of Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre.