Lucknow: On the occasion of World Head & Neck Cancer Day, the Department of Head & Neck Surgery at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, organised an awareness programme titled “Spandan: Cancer, Treatment and Beyond” to spread awareness about head and neck cancers, their early detection, advanced treatment options and rehabilitation.
The programme was attended by SGPGIMS Dean Prof. Shaleen Kumar as the chief guest and Chief Medical Superintendent Prof. Devendra Gupta as the guest of honour. The event commenced with a welcome address by Dr Amit Keshari, Professor and Head of the Department of Head & Neck Surgery, who expressed gratitude towards SGPGIMS Director Padma Shri Prof. R.K. Dhiman and the institute administration for their continuous support and encouragement.
The programme was formally inaugurated with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp.
In his message, SGPGIMS Director Padma Shri Prof. R.K. Dhiman highlighted the importance of timely diagnosis, public awareness and a multidisciplinary approach in the effective management of head and neck cancers. He appreciated the courage and determination of cancer survivors and said that such initiatives play a vital role in increasing awareness, dispelling myths and encouraging people to seek timely medical intervention.
A major highlight of the programme was the inauguration of the state-of-the-art OPD Endoscopy Laboratory by the chief guest and guest of honour. The advanced facility will enable real-time diagnosis, essential procedures within the outpatient department and regular post-treatment surveillance for head and neck cancer patients. It is the first such advanced laboratory established in any government medical institute in Uttar Pradesh.
The event also featured a special felicitation ceremony for cancer survivors. Reflecting the spirit of “Spandan”, meaning the heartbeat of life, patients who successfully overcame cancer were honoured for their courage, resilience and determination. They were presented with roses as symbols of hope and appreciation.
The session titled “Voices of Hope” emerged as a key attraction of the programme, where cancer survivors shared their inspiring journeys, experiences of treatment, emotional strength and their battles against the disease.
Experts from various specialties, including Head & Neck Surgery, Radiation Oncology, Plastic Surgery and Psychiatry, delivered informative sessions on comprehensive cancer care and rehabilitation. A dietician also provided guidance on maintaining proper nutrition during and after cancer treatment.
The programme concluded with an interactive session and question-and-answer segment with patients. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Indu Shukla, Associate Professor, Department of Head & Neck Surgery, marking the successful conclusion of the awareness initiative.
The event underlined SGPGIMS’s commitment towards promoting early detection, advanced treatment facilities and holistic care for cancer patients.
