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  • Cancer Survivors Honoured at HCG Cancer Centre Colaba’s Cancer Winners Meet 2026

    The ‘United by Unique’ gathering in Mumbai brings together survivors, caregivers, and clinicians to recognise resilience and patient centric cancer care

    HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre, Colaba, hosted the Cancer Winners Meet 2026, themed ‘United by Unique’, bringing together 30 cancer survivors and caregivers for an event focused on recognition, reflection, and community support. The gathering was organised to honour individuals who have completed or are progressing positively through their cancer treatment journey, while reinforcing the importance of holistic, patient centric cancer care.
    The event was hosted by Prashant Pawar, Senior Consultant, Head and Neck Oncology, and was attended by senior clinicians including Sachin Trivedi, Director, Medical Oncology, and Vijyashree Murthy, Senior Consultant, Surgical Breast Oncology. The meet provided a platform to acknowledge courage, resilience, and the spirit of survivorship, while fostering emotional connection among patients and their families.

    Among the survivors was Vishnu Meher, a 69 year old retired professional from the shipping machinery and diesel engine industry and a rare male breast cancer survivor. His case highlighted the importance of early detection in men, particularly those with occupational exposure risks and a family history of malignancy. Following timely diagnosis and a multidisciplinary treatment approach, he underwent successful surgery and remains under regular follow up with stable clinical outcomes.
    Speaking on behalf of the patients who participated in the Cancer Winners Meet 2026, Vishnu Meher said, “A cancer diagnosis changes your life overnight, but what carries you through is the belief that you are not alone. The doctors and care teams here treated us with empathy as every survivor’s journey is different, yet we should stay strong and hopeful. Today is not just a celebration of recovery, but of courage, patience, and the people who never gave up on us.”

    Sharing his perspective on the initiative, Avik Chauhan, Cluster Chief Operating Officer, HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai, said, “At HCG, we believe healing goes beyond treatment protocols. The Cancer Winners Meet reflects our commitment to holistic cancer care, where empathy, human connection, and encouragement play a vital role alongside clinical excellence.”
    Cancer survivors at the meet shared personal accounts of their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery journeys. A recurring theme across these testimonies was the compassion and support extended by doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, which participants said played a crucial role in sustaining them through treatment. The atmosphere throughout the event reflected optimism and mutual encouragement.

    As part of the programme, patients were felicitated with bouquets and gift bags in recognition of their resilience and determination. Doctors from HCG Cancer Centre Mumbai also spoke about the importance of mental well being, continuous follow up care, and strong community support in helping patients navigate life during and after cancer. The Cancer Winners Meet 2026 reaffirmed the centre’s focus on building a support ecosystem that recognises survivorship and instils confidence and hope among patients and their families.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.

  • A rare congenital heart defect meets a modern surgical solution at BM Birla Heart Hospital

    Dr Amanul Haque explains how Cone Repair helped restore normal heart function for a young woman with Ebstein anomaly

    Kolkata, January 2026: A rare congenital heart condition affecting fewer than one per cent of patients worldwide was successfully treated through advanced cardiac surgery at BM Birla Heart Hospital, offering a renewed quality of life to a young woman who had struggled with persistent symptoms for years.
    The 32 year old patient, a resident of Kolkata, had been experiencing worsening breathlessness and frequent palpitations for nearly two years. Despite undergoing a hole in the heart closure procedure in 2022, her symptoms did not resolve, prompting further evaluation. Detailed cardiac investigations later confirmed Ebstein anomaly, a complex congenital defect marked by abnormal positioning of the tricuspid valve, severe valve leakage, and enlargement of the right side of the heart.

    Given the patient’s age and progressive symptoms, surgical intervention became essential. The cardiac surgery team, led by Amanul Haque, Consultant Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgeon at BM Birla Heart Hospital, opted for the Cone Repair procedure, an advanced technique designed to reconstruct the patient’s own tricuspid valve rather than replacing it with an artificial implant.
    During the surgery, the malformed valve leaflets were carefully mobilised, reshaped into a cone like structure, and reattached to the true valve annulus. This approach restored near normal valve anatomy and function while correcting the severe leakage. By preserving the patient’s native valve tissue, the procedure significantly reduced the likelihood of future reoperations and avoided long term complications commonly associated with artificial valves.

    Explaining the rationale behind the approach, Dr Amanul Haque said the Cone Repair allows surgeons to restore the valve almost anatomically while maintaining durability over time. He noted that for younger patients, preserving the natural valve tissue plays a critical role in achieving better long term outcomes and sustaining normal cardiac function.
    Following the surgery, the patient demonstrated marked improvement in heart performance. Her breathlessness reduced significantly, exercise tolerance improved, and recovery progressed without complications. She is now preparing to return to an active and unrestricted lifestyle.

    The case highlights how specialised surgical expertise, combined with patient centred decision making, can deliver meaningful outcomes even in rare and complex congenital heart conditions. It also reflects BM Birla Heart Hospital’s continued focus on advanced cardiac care supported by precision surgery and compassionate clinical practice.
    At Prittle PrattleNews, featuring you virtuously, we celebrate the commitment and innovation. Led by Editor-in-Chief Smruti Bhalerao, our platform is dedicated to sharing impactful stories that inspire change and create awareness. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube for more stories that matter.