Does Hope help us heal? Yes! And here’s how!

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People often think that healing from an illness or an injury only happens with the help of medicine and treatments, but hope also plays a pivotal role in the healing process.

Hope is a very interesting word. For some it’s simply that, a word, but for some, it’s something that gives them reason to get up in the morning. Everyone says that having hope heals is, it keeps us alive and it keeps us wishing for something more, which ultimately leads us to working for that something.

Many however question whether hope truly helps us heal. The answer to that is yes. Hope is something that helps us heal some of the most traumatising and deep wounds. Both physical and mental. Hope is not just thinking positively or staying happy. Hope is believing that you will heal and that things will get better. Hope is believing that it will always get better. People tend to get discouraged and sad when they or people they love get injured or suffer from an illness, but it is extremely important that they believe and that they hold onto hope. This is not only to feel better, but having hope can actually hasten the healing process.

If someone keeps having hope, their healing process becomes better, maybe not by an astonishing degree, but by a good degree nonetheless. Having hope strengthens a person’s will and their motivation to heal quicker.

The Medical Aspect

Beyond the psychological aspect, hope is medically proven to heal people quicker. Our brain, when it’s not at war with emotions or doesn’t feel desolate, tends to work much better and more efficiently. When a person feels hopeful and positive, endorphins and enkephalins are released in their brains. This helps lessen the pain and subsequently the medicines. In addition to that, cortisol, which is the stress hormone, also gets lowered when someone feels hopeful and positive. This helps people lessen their stress levels which are known inhibitors of the healing process, thus catalysing the process and quickening the process.

The most interesting yet simple thing hope can help achieve is the placebo effect. Placebo effect is when someone believes a certain thing, often untrue and their body starts behaving in the manner. When a person who has hope starts believing that they’re healing and they’re getting better, their body starts responding accordingly. The placebo effect has been tested multiple times and is known to work for many cases. It means having a hopeful mindset can quicken your body healing by a large percentage.

The Caregivers

One thing that many people seem to ignore or not pay enough attention to, are the caregivers. Whilst it is imperative for the patients themselves to hold on to hope, the caregivers should not feel demotivated either. The caregivers cannot feel the medical benefit of having hope, but the psychological benefits more than make up for that.

The caregivers, when they are hopeful, are of the more help to the patient to heal. A positive and motivated atmosphere is an integral part of healing and is non-negotiable. The caregivers do feel exhausted and sad, sometimes even more than the patient, and that is completely fine. One shouldn’t suppress their emotions but should rather express them and deal with them in order to feel happy and healthy again.

Mind and body

The mind and body are one. Whilst one works, the other complements it. The brain needs to be at a good place for the body to do its job and that’s exactly what hope helps us with. Hope doesn’t have to be something big, some grand gesture or declaration. Hope can be simple day to day activities. Hope can be waking up and going about your day exactly like you would believing that you will heal soon. It can be not changing your bonds, and calling people when you feel like talking.

People don’t have to figure things out by themselves. They can reach out to people and people who aren’t suffering from injuries or illnesses can be the people that can help others find hope and happiness. For most people hope isn’t the big things, it’s the little things that make them feel happy and powerful. That’s what hope is and that’s what helps people heal quicker and in a more holistic way. Having hope does help, and it makes life just that much easier.

By Riya Dubey
Initiative by Group Imagination Unleashed

Kiran: Understanding the Emotional Ocean during Cancer Care

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Cancer. One word enough to scare even the most fearless person.

There are moments in life when things feel too scary to make sense of or talk to someone about.

When advice feels heavy and the burden to stay strong feels overwhelming.

And in those moments, what helps most is not answers.
It is presence.

In Hindi, Kiran means a ray of light.
A light of hope that finds its way through even the smallest opening during difficult moments.

Not a spotlight.
Not something overwhelming.
Just a small, steady glow that reminds you that you are not alone.

That is where we found our Kiran.

Why We Chose the Name Kiran

Cancer is often spoken in terms of medical treatment plans, reports, numbers and outcomes. All of this truly matters, but the emotional side is mostly neglected and overlooked.

The silence.
The fear.
The exhaustion.
The days when hope feels strong, and the days when it feels impossible to hold on to.

Kiran was born from the understanding that healing is not only medical. It is emotional. It is human.

We chose the name Kiran because it represents something gentle. Something realistic. Something that does not demand positivity or strength. Just presence.

What is Emotional Support During Cancer When Words Feel Heavy

A person who listens without trying to fix.
A moment of comfort without questions.
A space where it is okay to feel tired.

A place where everyone is recognised from patients, caregivers, survivors and healthcare providers.

Kiran Really Stands For

Kiran is not a person.
Kiran is not a programme.

Kiran is about being there.

It is about emotional support during cancer care.
It is about acknowledging that mental health matters just as much as physical health.
It is about creating conversations around feelings that people often hide because they do not want to seem weak.

At Indian Cancer Society, Kiran represents our focus on psycho-oncology. This is the aspect of cancer care that looks at the emotional, psychological, and social impact of the illness on patients, caregivers, families, and even healthcare professionals.

There are moments during a cancer journey when questions feel heavy.

Not medical questions.
But emotional ones.

Questions like:
Is it okay to feel this tired?
Why does hope feel so hard today?
Who do I talk to when I don’t want to worry my family?

Kiran exists for those moments too.

As part of this initiative, the Indian Cancer Society is introducing Kiran, a gentle conversational space on its website where people can ask questions, share what they’re feeling, or simply start a conversation when they don’t know where to begin.

This space is not about giving perfect answers.
It is about offering emotional support during cancer, without judgement or pressure.

For some, it may just be a place to ask a small question.
For others, it may become a way to connect with the Indian Cancer Society and speak to someone when they feel ready.

Because mental health in cancer care matters.
And sometimes, emotional support begins with knowing that help is accessible.

Kiran is meant to be that first step.
Quiet. Supportive. Always there.

When Hope Feels Heavy

We often tell people going through cancer to “stay positive.”
It comes from a good place.
But sometimes, it adds pressure.

What happens when someone does not feel hopeful?
What happens when fear feels louder than faith?
What happens when exhaustion takes over?

Kiran exists to say this clearly.
It is okay to not feel okay.

Hope does not always look like smiling.
Sometimes, hope looks like rest.
Sometimes, hope looks like crying without apology.
Sometimes, hope looks like saying, “I cannot do this alone.”

According to studies highlighted in the Oncology Nurse Advisor Report, social support has a positive effect on cancer patients’ physical health, emotional wellbeing and overall quality of life.

Through Kiran, we want to normalise these emotions. We want patients and caregivers to know that vulnerability is not weakness. It is honesty.

The Emotional Side of Cancer Care

Cancer care often focuses on treatment, which is necessary and life-saving. But emotional wellbeing is just as important.

Patients may struggle with fear, anxiety, body image issues and loss of control.
Caregivers may feel guilt, burnout and constant emotional fatigue.
Families may not know what to say or how to behave.

Even healthcare professionals are not immune. Witnessing illness every day can take an emotional toll.

Kiran opens space for these conversations. Through workshops, podcasts, blogs, community activities and storytelling, the initiative focuses on how people can support each other better.

Not through big gestures.
But through small, thoughtful ones.

#BeSomeonesKiran

The hashtag #BeSomeonesKiran is an invitation.

It does not ask you to fix someone’s pain.
It does not ask you to have the right words.
It simply asks you to show up.

You can be someone’s Kiran by listening without interrupting.
By sitting quietly when words feel unnecessary.
By checking in, even when you do not know what to say.
By respecting silence instead of filling it with advice.

Being someone’s Kiran does not require expertise.
It requires empathy.

Small Acts Matter More Than We Think

Often, people hesitate because they fear saying the wrong thing.
So they say nothing.

Kiran challenges that silence.

Sometimes, a message that says “I am here” is enough.
Sometimes, sharing a meal matters more than giving advice.
Sometimes, acknowledging someone’s pain without trying to minimise it brings comfort.

Through Kiran, we want to remind people that emotional safety is healing. When people feel understood, supported, and accepted, it lightens the weight they carry.

A Community-Led Movement

Kiran is not meant to exist only online or within organisations.
It is meant to live in conversations.
In homes.
In hospitals.
In communities.

This initiative brings together survivors, caregivers, mental health professionals, doctors, volunteers, and everyday people. Each voice adds to the collective understanding of what compassionate care truly looks like.

The goal is simple.
To make cancer care more human.

A Gentle Reminder

Kiran is not about constant light.
It is about light that appears when things feel darkest.

You do not have to be strong every day.
You do not have to be hopeful all the time.
You just have to know that support exists.

And sometimes, you might be that support for someone else.

So today, if you can, pause and ask yourself a simple question.
Who can I be a Kiran for?

Because even the smallest light can change how a journey feels.

#BeSomeonesKiran

Before you move on, pause for a moment and think about this.
Who has been your Kiran?

It might be someone who checked in when you didn’t know how to ask for help.
Someone who stayed, even in silence.
Someone whose presence made things feel a little less heavy.

If you feel like sharing, you can tell us about them on Instagram.
Use #BeSomeonesKiran and tag the Indian Cancer Society. Sometimes, stories help others feel less alone.

If you’re looking for support or want to understand this journey better, the Indian Cancer Society app brings together information, resources and guidance around cancer care, including emotional wellbeing. It’s there when you need it.

And if nothing else, carry this thought with you.
You don’t have to fix anyone’s pain.
You don’t have to have all the answers.

Just being there can be enough.

Be someone’s Kiran.

By Sonakshi Arora
Initiative by Group Imagination Unleashed

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Jagriti: Cancer Awareness

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Creation of Cancer Awareness is core objective of Indian Cancer Society.

To educate the public about cancer, its causes, and effective preventive measures, the Indian Cancer Society regularly hosts awareness talks.

 

  • Cancer Jagriti is a group of trained volunteers that deliver cancer awareness talks.
  • We visit a variety of settings, such as schools and colleges, markets, offices and factories,  women groups, urban slums, Rotary and Lions clubs, and villages. We also work with   other socially committed organizations.
  • Our “Rise Against Cancer” include street plays, talks, and referrals to our cancer screening services.
  • Speakers share educational videos and provide cancer literature at no cost.
  • We also train staff at other NGOs who work in the Bastis (slums) to share our cancer awareness messages.
  • Cancer Jagriti volunteers are available at no cost, although a pick-up and drop-off for speakers is greatly appreciated.

 

Our Initiatives

 

Rise Against Cancer

Rise against cancer is Indian Cancer Society community connect programme where a       neighborhood is targeted. It include local Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market       Associations, as well as resident in the  neighborhood.  Students put up street plays, cancer awareness walk is undertaken, awareness talk are conducted and services of  mobile cancer screening are also provided.

 

School Programme

The schools awareness programme reaches out to a very large group of young audience of students. Speakers visit Schools, Colleges, ITIs & other Institutes to educate a young         vulnerable generation about lifestyle choices.

 

Schools Cluster Training

Train the Trainers: We train Teachers to become Voice Multipliers. It is not possible for ICS Speakers to cover all young people.  Teachers can weave in our instruction  material during regular classes .

 

Lifestyle changes

  • Tobacco Control is an important concern. It is a prime component of school talks.
  • World No-Tobacco Day (WNTD) is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It is an indicator to assess how much of the anti-tobacco message has been taken on board by school children. In 2020, COVID – 19 has forced WNTD to be organised online.
  • Healthy Diet & danger associated with excess salt, sugar & sweetened drinks so            unthinkingly consumed by youngsters needs to be a matter of concern.
  • Environmental impact on cancer was the topic of a recent Seminar. We need to address it with more attention.

 

 

 Training

Training is an integral part of the Cancer Awareness Programme. ICS trains fresh Volunteers into the intricacies of the disease. Volunteers are not doctors, but they need to know the causes, risk factors, signs & symptoms, as well as basics modalities  of treatment. They need to have regular up-to-date information, for efficient functioning. Separate sessions are arranged for seasoned Volunteers with experts in the subjects.

  • Workshops are the energizer of the Awareness Program. Workshops are held in-house, when experts are invited to educate Volunteers. We also arrange Workshops annually at the Army R&R Hospital. Many Hospitals invite Volunteers to participate in their Workshops. It is encouraging when Doctor take time to educate volunteers.
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Sahyog: Cancer Support Group

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Cancer Sahyog is a support group for people living with cancer that has been working since 1991. Our volunteers attend clinics at 15 leading hospitals in Delhi/NCR.

 

Cancer Sahyog was established in 1991 by a cancer survivor. Founding Members included a Caregiver and a Doctor.

Cancer Sahyog is a support group with all its members having a personal experience with   cancer. We truly believe that no one should be left to fight cancer alone and thus our volunteer team provides emotional support by being actively involved in the well being of   patients. They also facilitate communication between patients, families, and health professionals. Our volunteers attend clinics at 15 leading hospitals in Delhi NCR.

  • Cancer Sahyog was founded with the idea that no one should have to battle fear &   loneliness in their Cancer journey.  All of the volunteer members have personally experienced cancer.
  • Volunteers actively listen, share their experiences, and provide literature, helpful suggestions, and tips regarding the side effects of treatment. They also facilitate communication between patients, families, and health professionals.
  • Most important, volunteers, all of whom have had a close personal encounter with cancer, offer Hope.

 

 

Symbol of Hope

 

Sahyog volunteers are living symbols of Hope and their personal experience with cancer  enables them to be more receptive and sensitive towards the patients. ICS provides training such as awareness sessions and informative workshops to strengthen their skills. Furthermore, mentorship and shared experiences make the volunteers excellent counselors.

 

Volunteers share their personal experiences, listen to the patient’s concerns and give hope and strength to the patients to fight the disease resolutely. They navigate them through the maze of treatment and beyond, thus becoming ‘fellow travelers’ (Sahyogi’s) in the true sense.

 

Volunteers encourage patients to take care of their physical, mental, and emotional well being. 

 

VOLUNTEERS NEVER OFFER MEDICAL ADVICE

 

The volunteers create an understanding of cancer and how to deal with the challenging   treatment and its side-effects.  Many new therapies have come into being over the 30 years of Cancer Sahyog existence, but the basic three remain Surgery, Chemotherapy & Radiotherapy.

 

Cancer Sahyog provides rehab services

 

It is important to recognize the needs of patients beyond medical intervention. Our volunteers ensure that patients with mastectomy are provided with the much needed advice on bras and prosthesis, as well as arm exercises to avoid lymphedema.

Comprehensive breast cancer care centers are set up at a few hospitals. Restoration of body image through supply of free bras and prosthesis has been a very successful project. Beginning with a mere 25 women who were provided with Medical Bras & Body Forms, the service now provides over 1000 women with these items.

In addition, in a collaboration with Nurses of the NHS, UK, used (cleaned & sanitized) Silicon prosthesis are offered for a song. The small cost covers expenses on Customs Duty. The NHS Nurses cover the cost of Air Freight & all other costs.

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Prashanti: Healing and Rehab Centre

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Indian Cancer Society firmly believes that Cancer neither begins nor ends in a Hospital. Prashanti was conceived as a Healing Centre, offering Complimentary Therapies to help former patients & Survivors to return to a new normal.

Complimentary therapy is non-invasive therapy, where no medicine of any kind is      administered. Yoga, Laughter therapy, Reflexology etc are Complementary therapies.  They heal without invading the body.  They invigorate & refresh.

Alternative therapy, on the other hand is as the name suggests alternative to the Hospital based treatment modes. Ayurveda, Unani medicine, Siddha, all claim to cure cancer.  However, there are no research studies that stand up to rigorous analysis & testing.  In  recent years, Dr. Nagendra has set up an Institute in Bangalore, which has taken the onus of proving Indian traditional medicine. The Govt of India’s AYUSH Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) program also seeks to undertake research & advocacy.

We are committed to help you fight cancer. The Indian Cancer Society Prashanti Healing & Rehab Centre seeks to provide healing therapies, as well as a comprehensive Breast Cancer Rehab Unit, offering Arm Care, & Medical Bra’s & Prosthesis for those who require it.

 

 The Prashanti Centre for Healing Therapies is a one of a kind non-profit organization offering free, non-intrusive cancer therapies to patients. Prashanti embraces a holistic approach to provides supportive, complementary cancer care help patients feel better physically,     psychologically, and socially. The Indian Cancer Society, Delhi, started these services thanks to the Lala Diwan Chand Trust.

Prashanti encourages a serene return to normal living after cancer.

  • Prashanti encourages a serene return to normal life after cancer.
  • ICS Centre of Healing Therapies.
  • Patients and survivors are encouraged to explore various therapies and choose the one that best improves their quality of life.
  • Therapies include but are not limited to: Pranayama, Yoga, Laughter Therapy, Reflexology, Massage, Visualization, and Acupressure.
  • Reflexology involves applying gentle pressure to the feet or hands to produce changes in pain and other benefits by stimulating the energy pathways of the body.
  • Services are offered at no profit.
  • Prashanti is also home to a Child Nutrition programme. Children (and parents) can have a hot, home-cooked meal every Tuesday courtesy donations from generous patrons.
  •  ICS also works with AIIMS, RGCI&RC, DSCI, & CNBC to offer supplementary food protein to children, as recommended by their pediatricians.
  • Parent Counseling is also available as part of therapy.
  • Young volunteers from Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University aid in various activities and events as part of their Social Health Initiatives
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Cancer Screening

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Cancer Screening.  ICS offers Cancer Screening at the Cancer Detection Centre, 42 Babar Road, New Delhi 110 001. The Centre is open on all working days from 0900 to 1200 hours. The Centre is served by 3 specialist doctors of ENT, Gynecology and Surgery, supported by a team of technicians. The package includes a blood analysis, chest Xray, and physical examination by these experienced doctors. You can avail a screening for cancer at minimal, heavily subsidized cost. No prior appointment required, and the entire process takes only 35 minutes of your time. In order to detect cancer early, and even at a pre-cancer stage, ICS urges that every healthy person over the age of 30 years should have an annual check-up. ICS has a Bone Densitometry facility operating out of ICS Prashanti. Mammography is available on our Mobile Medical Van AshaKiran. AshaKiran is stationed at Babar Road on Mondays & Thursdays, so one can avail a Walk-in service together with the Screening. Since November 2010 we offer HPV/DNA tests at the Cancer Detection Centre, Babar Road, with help from Oncquest & the Max Foundation. We have several “free service‘ months – In April, we offer free PSA tests for male customers availing of Screening. Women get free screening in October & November each year. In addition, Mammography is free through the year when Sponsors are available. 

 

All Screening is heavily subsidized. Please enquire at the Centre.


Mobile Cancer Screening. Cancer Screening at your doorstep! This service is ideal for offices, factories, and other clusters of people who cannot take time off to come to the Babar Road Centre. 100 persons are screened in a 4-hour period by our specialist staff. This service is available on weekends, and on weekday afternoons. Bookings can be made through our office, and a payment is required to be made in advance to confirm the booking. Philanthropic individuals and organizations often sponsor camps for people living in the slums of Delhi. Please check with us about the availability of free camps. The Mobile Service is an essential part of the Community Projects, which ICS undertakes in the basti’s (slums) around Delhi.