A group of 60 survivors in Odisha's Bargarh district band together as The Fighters Group and spearheads efforts to combat cancer, culminating in the inauguration of the region's first cancer hospital.
One thing about cancer the people of Bargarh had found out: it clings. The disease has become an unwelcome guest in every third household in the district, earning the unfortunate moniker of “Cancer Capital of Odisha” for this region known for its lush paddy fields and hardworking rustic people.
Amidst this grim reality, a spirited group of people pours their hearts out through their anthemic song. “Hum chalenge saath saath, cancer ko haraane ke liye. Hum chalenge saath saath har din. Mann mein hai vishwas, poora hai vishwas, hum haraenge cancer ko har din.” We’ll walk together to defeat cancer…we firmly believe we’ll defeat cancer every day.
With 60 courageous members who have triumphed over the disease, their glowing smiles and love for humanity overshadow their past agonies. Led by Prasanna Mishra and Aswin Kumar Darjee, the group’s president and chairman, they united to transform their personal struggles into a collective mission to raise awareness and lobby for a cancer research centre and hospital in Bargarh.
When the vote came to pick a name, they chose the one word that represents them the most: fighters. They consider themselves blessed with a “bonus life”. And thus, The Fighters Group was born on May 8, 2017.
Their persistent efforts finally bore fruit when Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the district’s first cancer hospital in February 2024. The hospital will have 40 beds in the IPD, 20 beds for daycare chemotherapy, six each in the ICU and HDU, and 12 pre and post-surgery beds, besides 12 cabins and four isolation beds.
“This hospital will provide accessible care to patients from all walks of life for generations to come, reducing the need for expensive treatments in cities like Mumbai,” said Aswin Kumar Darjee, the group’s chairman. Patients are generally referred to Acharya Harihar Regional Cancer Centre (AHRCC) in Cuttack, 300km east of Bargarh, and to the Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai.
Bargarh — also known as the state’s rice bowl — ranks second in cancer cases nationally, with 26% of reported instances, trailing only behind Bathinda in Punjab.
While experts have speculated about the reasons behind the district’s high cancer rates, attributing it to extensive pesticide use in paddy fields, demonstrable research remains elusive.
Some link the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilisers to the practice of growing paddy twice a year, due to the availability of water from the Hirakud dam for irrigation, even during dry months. Unlike the single-crop norm elsewhere, overuse degrades the soil as it hardly gets time to rejuvenate. There are fears that chemicals have seeped into water sources.
Facing a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally and financially taxing, especially for those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Cancer treatment is expensive. The poor can’t afford multiple sessions of chemotherapy and radiation.
Cancer is hardly spoken of in public, as ailments are considered a taboo — a curse, a bad karma. Overcome by fear, some patients keep it private by instinct for the sake of their families. They choose to suffer silently and eventually die as the cancer reaches the terminal stage.
According to Mishra, cancer breaks a man. “When I was first diagnosed, I was overwhelmed. But I had to maintain a sense of normalcy at home and build up my strength to battle the illness. It wasn’t until six months later that my family became aware of my condition,” he recalled.
The Fighters Group aims to empower people facing a cancer diagnosis, offering support and financial assistance. Partnering with Bhubaneshwar-based NGO Umeedein, they formed the Cancer Sahyog Centre to provide free counselling.
Aseema Bisoi, a breast cancer survivor and group member, underscored the importance of early detection and seeking medical attention. “Earlier, cases of cancers such as cervical, breast, and uterine cancer were more prevalent in Western countries. But these diseases have now become increasingly common in India. If someone is experiencing any symptoms of cancer or feeling unwell, it’s crucial not to conceal it from family members. They should seek evaluation by an oncologist,” she said.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the closure of OPD services at AHRCC left hundreds of cancer patients stranded. The Fighters Group rallied to raise awareness across the district and state, organising cancer screening tests and campaigns. More than 15,000 women participated in a breast cancer awareness programme.
The group’s advocacy efforts extend to their innovative “art of living” programme, earning recognition from people like Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. The initiative engages survivors and patients in various exercises, including yoga, to promote holistic well-being.
Each year, on National Cancer Survivors Day (the first Sunday in June), the group celebrates life, inspiring others to embrace hope and positivity. Today, survivors lead normal lives, undergoing regular check-ups every three to six months while pursuing diverse professions.
Notable figures like Suryakanti Sikandar, head of the botany department at Panchayat College, and Arjun Seth, a social activist who built a temple in Ambapali in gratitude for surviving cancer, exemplify the group’s spirit.
The image shows The Fighters Group that aims to empower people facing cancer diagnosis, offering support and financial assistance.
