Kolkata : Medica Superspecialty Hospital (part of the Manipal Hospitals Network), one of Eastern India’s premier healthcare institutions, hosted a deeply moving Bladder Cancer Survivors’ Meet. The event brought together survivors, caregivers, doctors, and healthcare professionals in a heartfelt celebration of resilience, healing, and awareness.
This special gathering paid tribute not only to those who have bravely battled bladder cancer and emerged victorious but also to the primary caregivers of those who lost their fight—a reminder that they are not alone in their journey of grief and healing. The initiative aimed to shine a spotlight on bladder cancer, one of the most under-recognized urological cancers in India and foster greater public awareness around it.
The emotional highlight of the event came through personal stories of strength and endurance. Maitrayee Mukherjee and her son Kaustav Mukherjee, family members of the late Gautam Mukherjee, shared their poignant journey of courage during his long battle with cancer. Ms. Sreejita Das, daughter of the late Beauty Das, also shared her moving experience, reflecting on her mother’s brave fight against bladder cancer.
More than 30 survivors attended the event and shared their emotional and inspiring journeys. Among them was Jhunu Biswas, a 44-year-old homemaker from Kestapur, shared, “In December 2023, I was diagnosed with a tumour in my bladder. After undergoing surgery by Dr. Abhay Kumar, the biopsy revealed it was malignant, requiring another operation. Though I briefly sought treatment in Mumbai, I didn’t feel confident there and returned to Medica under Dr. Kumar’s care. When he recommended a bladder removal, I was initially hesitant. But today, nearly a year after my cystectomy in June 2024, I am recovering well and feeling stronger every day. It was the right decision, and I am grateful for the support I received,” she shared.
Pradip Mukherjee, a 60-year-old businessman from Sodepur, also spoke about his healing journey. “I was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2022 and began treatment immediately. Dr. Abhay Kumar performed my cystectomy and was a pillar of strength throughout. His assurance and the constant support from the Medica team gave me the confidence to believe in a full recovery and resume a normal life.”
During the event, Prof. (Dr.) Subir Ganguly, Senior Consultant and Advisor in Radiation Oncology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (A part of Manipal Hospitals Network) stated, “Today’s gathering is a powerful reminder that successful cancer care goes far beyond medical intervention—it thrives on collaboration. At Medica, we believe in a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach where surgical excellence, radiation therapy, psychological counselling, and nutritional guidance all come together to support the patient. Equally important are the caregivers, whose strength and emotional resilience play a critical role in a patient’s recovery. To support them, we launched the Monobina Clinic, where caregivers receive free counselling sessions and guidance to help them navigate the emotional and physical demands of caregiving. This initiative has become a pillar of our patient-and-family-focused care model.”
In his speech, Dr. Abhay Kumar, Head of Urology & Specialist in Uro-Oncosurgery and Robotic Surgery, Medica Superspecialty Hospital (A part of Manipal Hospitals Network), said, “Bladder cancer is frequently overlooked, leading to late diagnosis and complex treatment requirements. Our focus has been to combine cutting-edge technology with patient-centric care to ensure the best outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgeries have dramatically improved precision and recovery time for our patients. Through events like these, we aim to dispel myths and encourage timely medical attention. We have our bladder cancer support group as well, which we launched in 2023.
Since then, our patients and survivors have been meeting regularly to share their experiences and support each other through their recovery journeys.”
Sohini Saha, Senior Consultant Psychologist at Medica Superspecialty Hospital (A part of Manipal Hospitals Network), stated,highlighted the emotional toll the disease takes on patients: “Fighting cancer is not just about treating the body—it is also about healing the mind. The trauma, fear, and anxiety that come with a cancer diagnosis are often invisible but profound. Our mental health support systems are designed to help patients, and their families navigate the psychological journey with strength and optimism.”
While addressing the survivors, Pritisha Ghosh, Clinical Dietician at Medica Superspecialty Hospital (A part of Manipal Hospitals Network), shared “Nutrition plays a vital role before, during, and after cancer treatment. A balanced, personalized diet can significantly impact recovery, immunity, and overall well-being. We work closely with patients to provide tailored dietary plans that support their journey at every stage.”
The event concluded with a musical performance by survivors, an open discussion with caregivers, and a pledge to spread awareness about early symptoms such as blood in urine, frequent urination, and pelvic pain.
