‘I am and I will’: Life beyond cancer

Vishü Rita Krocha
Kohima | February 4

“Waking up every morning is in itself a miracle, surviving cancer is another miracle” is something that Ahimsa Zhimo has strongly come to believe. On the occasion of World Cancer Day that is observed every year on February 4, she reaffirmed that there is life beyond cancer and a life that can be celebrated after cancer.  

With a lot of stigma associated with cancer, she said that along with the disease comes emotional pain. While undergoing treatment, she acknowledged that every day is a battle but urges cancer patients to have the courage, to be positive and to have faith in God. 

In spite of knowing what cancer is, she goes on to say that many people think it is the end of life. “It is like stepping on the edge of the hill’, she described while emphasizing that “unless and until we accept that I have cancer and decide to fight, it is very difficult to get through it.”  

This year’s theme for World Cancer Day— ‘I am and I will’, together all of our actions matter acknowledges that everyone has the capacity to address the cancer burden. 

In a conversation with The Morung Express, Dr Aoakhum Kichu, Consultant, Radiation Oncologist, Eden Medical Centre highlighted that this year’s theme is like awareness for everyone and not just for cancer patients or those who know someone with cancer.

“It’s just like a challenge and what will you be able to do specifically when it comes to cancer”, he stated. “It does not necessarily have to be a doctor or a nurse or even a patient but for all those around us. We can all come together, maybe educate people and try to avoid stuff which causes cancer like tobacco, smoking, or help and encourage someone to give up such habits, or even by helping people to get treatment.”

Dr Kichu stated that this year’s theme is about trying to branch out into the society together and asking for help as well as a challenge about what can people can do. In Nagaland, he observed that given the small population, the number of cancer cases is on the higher side.

With more diagnostic centers, Dr Kichu stated that more cases are being detected in the State these days, and the reality of the rising cancer cases is being felt.  

Nagaland, he further highlighted has a large number of nasopharyngeal cancer, and is at the top in India. Among the female population, he informed that cervical cancer is on the rise. “Many people don’t know that it is a preventable disease. There is a vaccine for cervix cancer which can be taken at the age of 9-10. So, it is such a highly preventable disease,” he informed.

He further expressed concern that despite the increase in cases, awareness is lacking. 

“I still feel we have some ways to grow, not only in the medical line but where people are aware. Many people seem to take it as a curse and also stigmatise it,” he stated. Dr Kichu stressed that cancer is not a death sentence, and that there is treatment and hope.