VVS Laxman applauds the courage of cancer survivors

The Laryngectomee Society of Apollo Hospitals celebrated its 14th anniversary on Saturday. The chief guest for the event was cricketing legend VVS Laxman. He interacted with cancer survivors and praised their courage in the face of adversity.

On this occasion, Dr Umanath Nayak, Head and neck cancer surgeon and founder president of the society said, “Cancer is curable and it is also possible to lead a normal life as cancer survivors.” “Throat cancer is common in our country.

It affects people mainly due to rampant and indiscriminate use of tobacco in all forms. About 1 lakh new throat cancers are diagnosed annually in our country, majority of which are in the advanced stages. Twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad alone account for approximately 1,000 new throat cancer patients every year,” said Dr Umanath Nayak.

“One of the important curative treatments for advanced cancer of the throat is a surgery called total laryngectomy involving surgical removal of the larynx (voice-box),” he added.

The laryngectomees had a one-on-one with VVS Laxman and they posed questions to him on his cricketing experiences and Laxman played their questions in his customary classy style. A copy of the book “Enduring Cancer - Stories of Hope” - dealing with true stories of cancer survivors by Dr Umanath Nayak was presented to Laxman on this occasion.

300 members of the society actively participated in this programme.