Berhampur: A 58-year-old man, who was diagnosed with stage IV oral cancer about a decade ago and underwent 12 rounds and 36 sessions of chemotherapy and radiation respectively, is leading an active life and creating awareness about the deadly disease.
On the occasion of World Cancer Day on Tuesday, Kranti, an NGO founded by Debananda Dash, the cancer survivor, organised a rally where several students, doctors, and social activists participated to raise awareness about the disease. The rally was flagged off by Sanghamitra Dalei, mayor of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC).
Dash, a PhD holder, said he survived by being mentally strong and strictly following a disciplined life with the support of his family members. “Besides my family members, I also received a morale boost from different people, particularly friends, after being diagnosed with the disease in 2015,” he said. He underwent an operation in a reputed cancer hospital in Mumbai. Around 14 teeth in his lower jaw were removed in two operations, he said. He spent around Rs 80 lakh on his treatment.
“I do not know the taste of food, as I am unable to take solid items. The food has to be grinded. Family members serve me without hesitation,” said Dash, who has two children. Despite the pain, he did not give up hope in life. The doctors advised him to defeat the cancer and not let cancer defeat him. He formed an organisation and conducted several awareness programmes. Anti-tobacco was one of the themes in almost all programmes, he said.
“I suffered due to the consumption of gutkha during my college days. Now I am educating college students about the harmful effects of chewing tobacco, which can cause oral cancer,” said Dash. During the campaign, Dash said he used his own example and requested youngsters with folded hands not to consume tobacco. He has launched such campaigns for the last five years, with the help of his wife, Nirmala Dash.