On the occasion of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, actress Manisha Koirala led a walkathon in coordination with National Cancer Hospital. Koirala, who herself is an ovarian cancer survivor, has been focusing on making people aware of ovarian cancer, its signs, and symptoms.
The ‘Hope of Walk’ began from National Cancer Hospital, Jawalakhel, and concluded at Patan Durbar Square. It was attended by dozens of doctors, scouts and college students along with the locals. Placards comprising anti-cancer, and cancer awareness slogans were flung in the air as words of awareness and inspiration.
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A welcome dance by students of Triton School was followed by a drama about ovarian cancer. Based on a rural setting depicting two women who were unaware that they showed symptoms of ovarian cancer, the play dealt with the identification and diagnosis of ovarian cancer in patients and the urgency of timely and regular checkups as to prevent the worsening of cancer. The drama also aimed at emphasizing the need for moral support for patients and the vitality of cancer to be identified at the earliest stage.
Dr Sandhya Chapagain, an oncologist at Bir Hospital, said that the symptoms of ovarian cancer were extremely common. “Irregular menstruation, loss in appetite, and swollen bellies are some symptoms,” she said adding, “However, patients rarely acknowledge it as anything serious and it’s usually it’s already too late when they realize the magnitude of the problem”.
In conversation with Koirala, she said, “During my personal battle, I was desperate for some real-life story that could give me hope”, she said. As a survivor, she now hopes to inspire other patients like her through her story and give them a ray of hope that she was so desperate for. “I maintained my belief in god throughout and am grateful to be alive”. She emphasizes a conscious and healthy lifestyle along with regular check-ups with doctors as to prevent cancer.
Koirala has been consistent in her pledge to aware people about cancer. She believes that cancer was a blessing in disguise for her, giving her time to introspect. In an earlier event, she said, “I have realized that time is limited. When we are born, death is certain. But we don’t realize it till we reach that edge. For me, cancer was that edge”. According to her, cancer taught her to live life to the fullest and to never lose hope.
An ailment gripped with fear, cancer is probably one of the most fatal diseases that exist. It can infect any part of the body and there is no hardcore cure for the disease as of now. Radio and chemotherapy are the only treatment for the disease.
