Palliative Care in Indian Oncology: Between Light and Shadow – Dr. Ravi Kiran Pothamsetty, Madurai Timing matters in oncology and palliative care In the corridors of Indian oncology wards, I have often found myself reflecting on a question with no easy answer: “when should palliative care begin?” Should it start immediately after a cancer diagnosis,…
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Between Loss and Living: Reflections from a Psycho-Oncology Practice – Dr. Priyadarshini Pant, Patiala The past ten days have been heavy, as I lost six terminally ill patients to cancer. The experience, however, is always a mixed bag because, just in the last two days, three of my patients—who are cancer survivors—have reported an improvement…
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“When Pain Whispers Fear”- An Adolescent Case That Marked The Beginning – Dr. Dhanashri Kudal, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar It was my very first adolescent case as a Consultant at the State Cancer Institute. I was reviewing my list of new consults when his name appeared. He was 18, barely a man, yet already weathered by…
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Kavita’s Journey of Hope – Dr. Suman Chauhan, Jodhpur Kavita, a 40-year-old woman, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Hailing from Gujarat she settled in jodhpur after her marriage. She lives with her husband and her daughter, a 19-year girl, who is now in college. For Kavita, her daughter has been a constant source…
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The Seventh Element: Palliative Care as the core essence of Medicine and Science – Dr. Ravi Kiran Pothamsetty, Madurai World Compassion Day (WCD 2025) is celebrated annually on November 28, intended not merely as a day of symbolic gestures, but as a call to embrace a truly compassionate lifestyle that honors all living beings with…
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“Even though I’m leaving, a piece of me will stay” – T, age 15 – Dr. Mayank Gupta, Bathinda In the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis, 15-year-old T* discovered a powerful outlet in art. What began as a personal form of expression soon evolved into something greater: a lasting legacy that brought her purpose,…
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Clinical Therapeutic Communication (CTC) in Oncology: Translating Pain into Perspective – Dr. Ravi Kiran Pothamsetty, Madurai In the world of oncology, words are not merely tools for conveying information — they are instruments of healing. Whether it’s the moment a diagnosis is shared, a quiet reassurance offered to an anxious caregiver, or the heavy silence…
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A Hand to Hold, A Shoulder to Lean On: The Soul of Palliative Care – Dr. Mujeeb Kuttamassery, Kochi The United Nations observes the International Day of Friendship every year on 30th July to promote friendship, peace, and understanding among people, cultures, and nations. To mark this occasion, the IAPC features this article in celebration…
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Brain tumours: Care, even when there is no cure – Dr. Smriti Khanna, Mumbai A 6-month-old orphan child got admitted with poor cry and progressive decrease in leg movements. He was admitted to the ICU and needed to be put on a ventilator because of worsening drowsiness and difficulty breathing. An MRI revealed a large…
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The Silent Suffering of a Healer – Dr Rajith R, Coimbatore She was the heartbeat of our Hospice, the steady hands that wiped away tears, the voice that soothed restless souls. Sister Jessie had a rare gift—the ability to make suffering feel lighter, to bring comfort where there was none. She was a lighthouse for…
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