Yuvraj's victory against cancer lifts spirits of cancer patients in Punjab

Yuvraj’s victory against cancer gives hope to many in Malwa
Jupinderjit Singh
Tribune News Service

Bathinda, September 11
Cricketer Yuvraj Singh, who successfully battled a cancerous tumour in one of his lungs, has become a source of inspiration for those affected by the disease in the Malwa belt.

Vishal Kumar (16) who has been suffering from cancer. A Tribune photograph

Down with cancer, a number of patients, many among them being teenagers, now want to imitate their favourite star, who staged a comeback to international cricket arena recently, and win over the lethal disease.

Though they have limited resources as compared to Yuvraj, doctors feel positive attitude can work wonders for cancer patients.

Sixteen-year-old Vishal Kumar is one such example. Excited at the cricketer's re-entry into the game, he says, "Yuvraj's survival tale has made me forget the pain of chemotherapy. Of the eight chemotherapies prescribed for me, I have already undergone three. My condition is improving with each passing day."

Suffering from round cell tumour, Vishal had to quit studies after Class X. A cricket buff himself too, he says, "I used to play cricket in school… I want to play again… If Yuvi can (beat cancer), why can't I."

Dr Vandana Shukla, an oncologist at the Civil Hospital, says Yuvraj's case is motivating cancer patients, especially the youth, to keep a positive mindset during treatment. "Half the battle is won if a patient is optimistic. A doctor can also hope of a positive outcome then," she avers.

Citing Yuvraj's example, she convinced a patient for a throat surgery, she says.

Kamla Devi, a Srinagar resident who is in her late 20s, relates herself with the cricket star in a different manner: "While Yuvraj defeated a tumour in his lungs, I overcame cervix cancer, though mine case was detected in the last stage. Alike Yuvraj, I too need to return to my fields now — my apple orchards in Kashmir."

District Health Officer RS Randhawa says ever since Yuvraj recovered from cancer, he has been quoting the cricketer to inspire his patients.

"The fight against any disease begins from the mind. Treatment works better only if a patient is determined to be cured," he says.

link : http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120912/punjab.htm#5