Cancer affects us all, directly or indirectly. But what if we could significantly reduce its impact – not just medically, but emotionally, psychologically, and economically – across our nation? This powerful question was at the heart of a recent social awareness program conducted by our very own Dr. Sayoni Bhanja, a leading Medical Oncologist, at the prestigious West Bengal National University of Judicial Sciences.

Dr. Bhanja engaged with bright, young budding lawyers and the future generation of our country, focusing on a crucial mission: to eradicate common myths surrounding cancer and instead, shine a light on the true facts. The session emphasized empowering these future leaders with knowledge about modifiable risk factors – those aspects of our lives we can change to lower our cancer risk. It was an inspiring call to action, recognizing that awareness is the first step towards a healthier India.

Here’s a glimpse into the vital conversations Dr. Bhanja led:

Understanding Your Body: Early Signs of Breast and Head & Neck Cancer

Knowledge is truly power when it comes to early detection. Dr. Bhanja underscored the importance of recognizing the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) early warning signs for common cancers like breast cancer and head & neck cancer. She enlightened the audience on key symptoms to watch for, emphasizing that early intervention can drastically improve treatment outcomes. Knowing your body and noticing changes isn’t about fear; it’s about empowerment.

The Tobacco Truth: Unmasking Its Devastating Link to Cancer

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the undeniable and devastating link between tobacco addiction and cancer. Dr. Bhanja meticulously broke down how tobacco, in its various forms, contributes to a multitude of cancers, urging the young audience to understand the profound risk. This segment served as a crucial reminder of a major preventable cause of cancer burden.

Shaping Your Health: The Power of Lifestyle Modification

Beyond avoiding harmful substances, Dr. Bhanja highlighted the incredible impact of lifestyle modification in cancer prevention. The conversation covered actionable steps: adopting a balanced, nutritious diet, integrating regular physical activity into daily routines, managing stress effectively, and prioritizing overall well-being. These are choices that, when made consistently, can significantly contribute to reducing an individual’s and, by extension, the nation’s cancer risk.

When to Act: Knowing When to Consult a Healthcare Provider

A critical takeaway from the session was knowing when to meet a healthcare provider. Dr. Bhanja stressed that while many symptoms can be benign, persistent or unexplained changes in one’s body should never be ignored. She empowered the students with the knowledge that timely consultation can lead to early diagnosis, which is paramount for effective treatment. It’s about being proactive and trusting your instincts, rather than delaying.

Breaking Free: Strategies for De-addiction

Understanding the risks is one thing; overcoming habits is another. Dr. Bhanja also shed light on de-addiction strategies, particularly for tobacco. She provided insights into the resources and approaches available to help individuals break free from addiction, underscoring that support is available and vital in this journey.

Dr. Bhanja’s Message: Your Role in a Healthier Future

Dr. Sayoni Bhanja’s session was more than just an awareness program; it was a call to action for the future leaders of our nation. She left the audience with a powerful message: by understanding the facts, debunking myths, making informed lifestyle choices, and encouraging proactive health-seeking behavior, they can become catalysts for reducing cancer’s emotional, psychological, and economic burden on our country.

At BORCI, we believe that education and awareness are foundational to better health outcomes. Dr. Bhanja’s efforts exemplify our commitment to not just treating cancer, but also preventing it and fostering a healthier, more informed community.


Bengal Oncology Research & Care Initiative
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