TO MARK ‘World No Tobacco Day’, a deeply inspiring and unique Cancer Survivor Meet was held at Cardion Hospital, Dhantoli. The entire programme was conceptualised, curated, and led jointly by renowned experts Dr Apoorva Mishra, Consultant Maxillofacial and Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon and Dr Prachet Dakshinkar, Consultant Maxillofacial and Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon, with core institutional support from Dr Nikunj Pawar, Director, Cardion Hospital and Dr Asawa. Moving away from traditional clinical seminars, the primary motive of this physician-led initiative was peer-to-peer motivation.

 

The meet brought together long-term oral cancer survivors successfully operated by the lead surgeons to interact with and empower recently operated patients, providing them with critical psychological strength and hope. The emotional heart of the event was when the cancer survivors took the stage themselves. They shared raw insights from their recovery journeys and delivered a powerful public message urging society to reject tobacco and highlighting how early detection saves lives.