Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore Chapter

How and why to monitor prostate health regularly

By SATISH RAO – Prostate Cancer Survivor / Warrior and Volunteer at Indian Cancer Society, Bengaluru What is the Prostate gland ?? The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system, located below the bladder and in front of the rectum  The two main problems that are related to the prostate are “Prostate […]

Listen to Your Body

A Challenging but Triumphant Personal Story of a Teacher The entire world changed when I was diagnosed with the big, scary “C” word – cancer. Life often moves so fast. Between work, family, and daily responsibilities, we rarely pause to focus on ourselves. Thankfully, I was always health-conscious and made it a point to get […]

Surviving Cancer and Spreading Positivity

By Ramendra Kumar I was diagnosed with stage II colon cancer in November 2021. Immediately after the verdict, I raved and ranted. I don’t smoke. I don’t drink. I’m healthy. I exercise regularly. So why me? I went through the entire spectrum of anger, frustration, angst, and yes, even a few tears. I looked at […]

Sign Language

By Alpa Dharamshi   The lady was very beautiful looking and had long hair almost touching her knees. I couldn’t resist myself, but my eyes immediately saw her beautiful black and silky hair. She looked very disturbed. She entered our Counselling room almost 10 months back at one of the government hospitals where I volunteer […]

Importance of Counselling for Cancer patients

By Alpa Dharamshi A cancer diagnosis changes lives. Feelings of shock, fear and uncertainty can overwhelm not only the patient but their entire family. A patient may react strongly to changes in the body, feel anxious about treatment and its results. Cancer can stir up many deeply personal issues such as spirituality, sexuality and relationships. […]

The ‘Why me’ conundrum

  Oncologists rarely pass a day without hearing a patient wonder “why me? Why did I get cancer?” As valid as the question is, rarely do we have an accurate answer. Most have lived their lives in moderation, perhaps never smoking or drinking. Many are good people never intentionally harming anyone, in case one fears […]

From early lump detection to treatment

I vividly remember the day, as if it was just yesterday. I was preparing to go for a vacation when I first detected the lump. My mind was filled with an array of conflicting thoughts, as I had to catch a flight in mere hours. Despite the excitement of my trip, the questions in my […]

Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue is a condition characterized by emotional and physical exhaustion leading to a diminished ability to empathize or feel compassion for others, often described as the NEGATIVE COST OF CARING. It is sometimes referred to as secondary traumatic stress and is mostly faced by caregivers. Compassion fatigue is similar to burnout. But burnout usually […]

You are not alone

Connecting with a 52-year-old patient with advanced stage of Brain tumour proved to be a challenge. When prompted, she was able to share her thoughts, feelings and wishes. She talked in a feeble voice about her belief of a speedy cure so that she could go back to her village to be with her home and […]

Thoughts of a Cancer Conqueror and Counsellor

  A patient after talking to the doctor often has unanswered questions such as –   Dr: Your hair will grow back. Pt: How do I cope till it doesn’t? Dr: Why are you sad? There are so many who live with stoma bags.Pt: Can you imagine how I feel to see the stool in […]

Jannet Maria Jibu is an MSW graduate in Clinical and Community Practice from Christ University, Bangalore, with a background in Psychology from Delhi University.

Jannet interned at leading hospitals and NGOs, working across mental health, disability support, and women’s rights.

Her passion lies in community upliftment and inclusive care. Jannet brings empathy, initiative, and leadership to every project she takes up.

 

Dr. Pavithra is an Ayurveda physician holding a BAMS degree from Ramakrishna Ayurveda Medical College, Bangalore. She also has an additional certification, a PG Diploma in clinical research.

With a strong foundation in Ayurvedic medicine and clinical research, Dr. Pavithra brings a unique blend of traditional and evidence-based approaches to healthcare.

Dr. Pavithra specializes in providing adjuvant care, supportive, palliative, end-of-life care, and post-cancer survivorship, contributing to holistic cancer care through Ayurveda.

Dr. Pavan Kumar. H (BDS) graduated in 2024, worked as a consultant Dentist in Ballari, Karnataka, and worked as an Associate Dentist at Swaraj Dental Clinic in Bangalore. He is presently working as a project consultant for TCC at ICS Bangalore.

 

Dr. Pavan believes in working as a team to reach greater heights. He believes in the core values of positive attitude, optimism and self-respect. He is interested in reading digital medical journals and spending time by researching innovations in digital dentistry.

Dr. Swathi D Acharya, holds a BAMS degree and currently serves as Programme Coordinator at Indian Cancer Society, Bangalore.

With over 5 years of experience in the medical field, her career included roles such as Medical Officer at Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Bangalore, Duty Medical Officer at Pragathi Multi-speciality Hospital Mangalore and RBSK Medical Officer at NRHM Mangalore. Dr. Swathi enjoys drawing and reading books, which complement her passion for holistic well-being. 

I am a native of Kalaburagi, with an MSW completed in 2022 and an HRM in 2024. Post graduation, I gained valuable experience working with an NGO dedicated to orphan rehabilitation and have explored various other sectors. 

Driven by a passion for public service, I found the ideal platform at ICS, where I joined as a Medical Social Worker in May 2024 to contribute to public health. In my free time, I enjoy reading magazines, newspapers, and listening to music for relaxation.

Shrinidhi N. Naikal is an alumnus of Nutan Vidyalaya Commerce College, Kalaburagi. He has served as a Senior Coordinator in the magazine section of Ramoji Film City, and was the Regional Coordinator at Blue Star India Ltd., Hyderabad. Shrinidhi has volunteered at ICS from 2007 uptil June 2023. From June 2023, Shrinidhi has taken the role of the Regional Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi.

Dr. Ashwini from Kalaburgi graduated with a BAMS degree in 2023. She then interned at the HCG Cancer Hospital, Bangalore and gaining valuable experience in Radiation Oncology. She has participated in multiple medical camps with ICS with focus on community health and cancer awareness. Dr. Ashwini is a Project Coordinator at ICS, Kalaburagi since August 2024 and is committed to promote cancer prevention. Dr. Ashwini is a passionate singer and a state level Yoga player.

Dr. Guru Suhas. P has an undergraduate degree in Dental Sciences from Oxford College of Dental Sciences Bangalore and followed it up with a Masters in Public Health Dentistry from Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences. He then worked as faculty in Maruthi Dental College. He joined the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) as a Project scientist for little over two years. He has now found his passion in Indian Cancer Society and wants to help spread awareness about cancer.