The rate of cancer cases has increased considerably in the region, blamed on the twin-evils: addiction to tobacco, liquor and ignorance of the side-effects of these addictions. Observing the increase in cancer patients, Tata Memorial Center, Department of Atomic Energy and BKL Walalwalkar Hospital combined forces to fight against cancer.
In the fight against cancer, the hospital decided to first identify early symptoms and introduced a program called ‘Model Cancer Control Programme’ in collaboration with the ‘Tata Memorial Rural Outreach Program’ (TMCROP). Radiation Therapy is one of the key treatments under this program. State of the art Radiation Facility at Walawalkar Hospital is a blessing for the rural region.
Acknowledging that Cancer cannot be destroyed without Radiation Therapy, the hospital installed “Bhabhatron II” and Brachytherapy with the help of the Department of Atomic Energy, Govt. of India & the Tata Memorial Hospital. CT Simulation is used to control the Radiation effectively.
HDR Brachytherapy (High-Density Radiation) helps in the treatment of cervix cancer among women and Cancer of the Oesophagus (Food pipe). Such state-of-the-art treatment is offered to patients for free.
During Radiation therapy, the patient needs to stay in hospital premises for about 1 month. For that reason, the hospital has a special dormitory, where separate rooms are available for the patient and his/her relative, with excellent arrangements for food and washrooms.
The hospital is engaged in creating awareness about the disease in all possible ways, to eradicate Cancer from the Konkan region. The hospital has received the ‘Best Oncology Hospital - Americare Award’ for its innovative and humanitarian services.
Under the guidance of Dr Shripad Banavali, research is currently underway to utilize an “Immune Modulating Radiation Therapy” (IMMRD) to cure patients with small doses of radiation. The Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai has also adopted this methodology.
