World Cancer Day-4th February 2010 - "Cancer Can Be Prevented Too"

Dr. Eugene D’Souza, Moodubelle

04 February 2010: At a time when Cancer still remains a feared and dreaded disease the phrase - “Cancer can be prevented too” may sound a bit incredible as cancer still remains the leading cause of death worldwide. For this reason, it has been a constant endeavour by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Union against Cancer to address ways to reduce the burden of cancer. For this purpose 4th February each year is dedicated as World Cancer Day. The theme for 2010 is a key phrase –‘Prevention of Cancer’.

According to an estimate of the WHO in the absence of timely intervention, cancer can claim the lives of 84 million people worldwide between 2005 and 2015, with the low and middle-income countries bearing the brunt as compared to the industrialized ones. According to various studies, China, Russia, and India need to watch out and tackle the growing burden of cancer, attributed mainly to increase in use of tobacco, fatty diets, adoption of western habits, and demographic changes.

It is possible to reduce the risks of cancer and move closer to prevention of the disease by the following methods:

• Banish Tobacco - Smoking or consuming tobacco in any form
• Adopt a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Reduce or completely avoid intake of alcohol
• Seek adequate protection against cancer-causing infections

The story of Cedric Rasquinha who defeated cancer

When many die in the battle against cancer, few win in the war against this dreaded disease. The stories of the survival of the brave against this life threatening disease should be a source of strength and inspiration to many of those who have been either diagnosed as being cancer struck or those who feel that they might be prone to cancer.

This is the story of Cedric Rasquinha of Mahim and his family-wife Lilly, a school teacher and son Joel, who studies in XII std. In St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, who bravely faced this ordeal and came out winners.

On 3rd June 2008, Cedric came home from his Sales Manager’s job in a reputed air-conditioning firm. But he felt terribly tired and worn out. When he went to the toilet to relieve himself, he was shocked to see the flow of blood instead of urine. With his eyes wide open, mind dazed and thoughts gone wild, Cedric exclaimed- “O my God”. He tried to reason out of this phenomenon. He could find no answer. All he realized was that something was terribly wrong with his health and he needed divine assistance and medical diagnosis and treatment for this unknown disease.

When Lilly returned home from shopping for their son Joel’s Junior College books, Cedric picked up courage and informed her about the unusual happening and both of them rushed to their family doctor. On hearing the case, the doctor realized that something was seriously wrong with Cedric. He managed to calm Lilly and after prescribing some tablets asked Cedric to take some tests the next morning.

On 4th June 2008, Cedric underwent 8 to 10 tests suggested by his family doctor. When he took the report to the doctor for interpretation, he glanced at Cedric and advised him that he should immediately see an urologist and helped him to get an appointment on the next morning.

On studying the reports and examining Cedric on 5th June 2008, the urologist found three lump growths inside his urine bladder and suggested that he should immediately undergo surgery. Being a workaholic, Cedric was shocked at the suggestion of the Urologist that he might require at least 30 days rest after surgery. However, the doctor suggested that if he agreed for a non-invasive surgery that results in minimum bleeding, he could join his work within a week. But this high-tech surgery would cost more to which Cedric agreed.

The surgery took place on 6th June 2009 and the lumps were removed and on the next day Cedric was at home. A sample of the lump was sent for further testing for its malignancy. It was a three days process which seemed three months for Cedric as he was preparing himself to hear the 6 letter word (cancer) that kills people more of fear than of the disease.

After three days the report arrived and Cedric along with Lilly met the doctor who looked with concern at both of them and confirmed that Cedric had cancer!

It was the death sentence that Cedric. But once it was pronounced, Lilly asked the doctor how much time Cedric would have. The doctor diplomatically answered that according to World Health Organization 3-3 high grade cancer spreads easily. This statement of the doctor made Cedric anxious about his fate.

Along with the treatment, Cedric wanted divine intervention to get over the curse of cancer. On the following Wednesday, both of them went to St. Michael’s church for the novena of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour.

The news about Cedric’s condition sent shock waves across the families, relatives and friends of both Cedric and Lilly. Many well wishers suggested that Cedric should go to Potta, Nashik or other places for miraculous cure. However, Cedric insisted that God is everywhere and he strongly believed in his Divine Mercy. Not once did he ask God ‘why me?’ All that Cedric believed was, ‘God would do what was best for him.’ Cedric philosophical said, “I knew He closed a door on me, and I was waiting for him to open a window.”

In the following two months, Cedric underwent seven chemo-therapies. The disease was exhausting him physically and financially. However, he did not give up hope and determination. Even on the day of chemo-therapy he would go to his office and be there rather than being at home alone and depressed, though his bosses were considerate and asked him to take rest.

9th August 2008 was Cedric’s 49th birthday. His phone never ceased ringing with messages from his relatives, friends and well wishers. The birthday celebrations were akin to that of 50th birthday, deep inside Cedric was apprehensive whether he would survive to witness his 50th birthday.

Every three months Cedric had to undergo tests and surgery for the recurring growth of lumps and the routine chemo-therapies. His finances were draining and physical strength was waning. But not his spirit or will power. He placed himself fully in the hands of God and went on his daily working routine.

After many months of anxiety, tests, surgeries and chemo-therapies, the urologist, after a thorough check up of Cedric finally gave a clean chit and proclaimed the good news that he was completely cured of the dreaded disease ‘c-a-n-c-e-r’ to the great relief of not only Cedric, Lilly and Joel, but their families, relatives and friends.

Cedric succeeded in defeating cancer. In his fight against this scourge, Cedric strongly believes that it was the grace of God, his will power, determination, positive outlook, involvement in work and church activities, support and prayers of his family members, relatives and friends were of immense help.