38th Cancer Survivors Day Celebrated with the Message "Cancer Can Be Defeated"

Nepal Health News, Kathmandu — The 38th Cancer Survivor Day was celebrated nationally in the capital with the powerful message: "Cancer doesn’t mean the end of life; it can be defeated with inner strength." This day is observed globally on the first Sunday of June every year.

The event, organized by the Nepal Cancer Survivor Society, saw enthusiastic participation from cancer survivors, social activists, healthcare professionals, and artists.

Speaking at the event, cyclist and cancer survivor Dhruba Prasad Humagain emphasized that being diagnosed with cancer doesn’t mean death, and survivors have the responsibility to inspire others to become fighters.

Veteran singer and breast cancer survivor Meera Rana highlighted the lack of early screening and awareness in Nepal, which puts women at greater risk. She advised women over the age of 40 to undergo mammography every two years.

Pramita Khanal, president of the Survivor Society, stated that emotional connections and mutual understanding among survivors help boost each other’s morale. Similarly, Society treasurer Binu KC noted that family support is essential for strengthening a survivor’s inner strength.

During the program, Namita Basnet, who completed a Mechi-Mahakali bicycle tour after surviving throat cancer, was honored. She credited her strong willpower for enabling such a courageous journey.

Participant Geeta Ranabhat shared that her daughter’s victory over cancer was possible because of the family's emotional strength. Although doctors had given a grim prognosis, her daughter has been living a normal life for the past 15 years thanks to inner resilience.

The event also featured recitations of poems based on personal cancer experiences and cultural performances. In Nepal, Cancer Survivor Day has been celebrated at the national level for the past eight years.

Cancer Survivor Day was first observed on June 5, 1988, following the second international conference in New Mexico, USA. The aim of this day is to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors, ensure necessary health resources, and spread a positive message in society.

Currently, more than 53.5 million people around the world have survived cancer. However, their journey is far from easy, as they continue to face increasing social, economic, mental, and health-related challenges.

The core message of the event was: “Cancer can be defeated. What’s needed is not fear, but courage.”