50 Years after #Anand was diagnosed with ‘lymphosarcoma of the intestine’ cancer is still depicted in Indian films and television as a terminal illness. At best the ending is left open and the characters go overseas for treatment. Why this needs to change
1. “zindagi badi bhi hai aur lambi bhi” In 50 years, #cancer treatment has seen tremendous progress. People live for 20-25 years after their first cancer diagnosis. They become aunts, uncles, parents, in-laws, grandfathers, grandmothers @vijivenkatesh @vcare24 @ics_1951
2. There are survivors of #childhoodcancers who are stepping out into a new world of family and employment where they need acceptance. @StJudeChildCare @Cankidz @BagaiPoonam @DrRamanArora
3. Cancer is still perceived by the common man as a major diagnosis. Much more than a heart attack or stroke. People refuse treatment or don’t see the point of it. @NavyaCare
4. We need to bring hope to a newly diagnosed cancer patient. When media shows characters who have survived cancer, it gives hope to the common man. It promotes treatment seeking behaviour.
5. Showing people and relationships will also help remove stigma around cancer especially as it relates to marriage
6. It establishes the identity of the person as more than just a cancer patient.
Isn’t it time the narratives change in line with reality? #LetsTalkCancer #CancerIsNotTerminal #CancerIsChronic @CancerGridIndia @cspramesh
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
