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“A woman came in for consultation one day, and she had no one with her. When I told her about the need for surgery, she became disheartened and seemed on the brink of giving up her treatment. Unfortunately, people think that if a family member has cancer, it is best to kick them out. There's a mistaken notion that cancer is contagious, leading to fears of it spreading among other family members.” - Dr Sunil Kumar, founder, Chandrakanti Devi Cancer Foundation
In the quiet corners of rural India, a silent battle is being fought against a formidable opponent: cancer. While medical advancements have made significant strides in treating this dreadful disease, the lack of awareness in these remote regions often accelerates its devastating impact. However, one man is striving to change this reality, by extending a lifeline to the rural poor and underprivileged.
Dr. Sunil Kumar, fondly called ‘Doctor Saheb’, travels over 1,000 kilometres every month from Delhi to Dehri, Bihar, to help the underprivileged, aiming to diagnose diseases early.
Dr. Sunil Kumar, fondly called ‘Doctor Saheb’, travels over 1,000 kilometres every month from Delhi to Dehri, Bihar, to help the underprivileged, aiming to diagnose diseases early. An additional professor in surgical oncology at AIIMS, Delhi, he leads a free initiative where cancer patients receive diagnosis, treatment plans, and assistance, under the Chandrakanti Devi Cancer Foundation, an NGO named after his cancer-survivor mother.
The inspiration for the initiative arose when his mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2012. At 35 years old, he cut short his time in the US to return home and care for his ailing mother. It was then that he began to recognize the lack of awareness in India's less developed areas regarding cancer's early signs.
Being from a middle-class family, I saw how the financial burden of this condition broke families - Dr Sunil
“I had found out that my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and had progressed to an advanced stage. Hailing from a middle-income class family, I have seen the destruction a disease like cancer could cause. That’s when I decided that I would help those in need.” - Dr Sunil
Dr. Sunil and his fellow colleagues, who had experienced similar situations with their own relatives or family members facing cancer diagnoses, established Chandrakanti Devi cancer Foundation.
I want to change the fate of these cancer patients and give them a second chance at life
The battle against cancer in Indian rural areas is as much about knowledge as it is about medical advancements. The absence of routine screenings and preventive measures further compounds the problem. With most individuals prioritising their daily struggles for survival, regular health check-ups take a backseat. As a result, cancers that could have been caught in their initial, more treatable phases go unchecked.
The medical camps organised by Dr Sunil’s NGO address these specific shortcomings and provide assistance to the patients. Awareness is spread through workshops and community programs, conducted in schools, colleges, and public spaces. The locals are educated about cancer and how to identify potential symptoms in the early stages.
People from 5-6 districts around Dehri travel long distances to come here for their cancer treatments.
“People from 5-6 districts around Dehri travel long distances to come here for their cancer treatments. Through my organisation, I've endeavoured to offer whatever assistance possible to these underprivileged patients, whether it's through comprehensive therapies, medication, or facilitating their travel...” - Dr SunilThe NGO collaborates closely with healthcare workers like Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) and doctors from Primary Health Centres (PHCs) to expand its reach. To offer swift consultation for cancer patients, the NGO has also established a 24/7 helpline, where patients receive guidance, information, and treatment suggestions from experts over the phone. This eliminates the need for them to wait until the monthly camps.
Dr Sunil notes that 65% of diagnoses happen when the cancer is in the advanced stage, and out of every 10 diagnosed patients, only 5 can afford treatment.
Over the past 10 years, the NGO has aided a minimum of 3,000 patients in identifying cancer at different stages and seeking essential treatment. But Dr Sunil believes that his ability to help people is limited due to increasing financial constraints. Yet, even with these challenges, he finds satisfaction in making a collective difference.
The challenges the NGO usually faces include covering travel costs to Delhi, even for free AIIMS treatment. But increased financial resources and a well-equipped facility addressing these needs could enable more cancer patients to access treatment.
Dr Sunil need your support to continue caring for them as currently they are facing a major challenge
"Right now, we are working with limited resources. Some of our needs are very urgent and our aim is expansion, because several people come to us for treatment, and we aren’t able to help even if we want to. So, our priority now is establishing a comprehensive treatment and palliative care centre to cater to all the patients that come to us. Additional financial support could also help us increase camp frequency and reach more people in remote corners.” - Dr Sunil
This is where you can step in. With your support, Dr. Sunil and the Chandrakanti Devi Cancer Foundation can extend their reach, offer early cancer detection facilities, and ensure timely access to life-saving treatments for underprivileged individuals.
“Any help from you will be no less than a blessing for us. The cancer patients who come to us will always hold you dear to their heart, because not only will you be saving their lives, you will be giving them a new lease of life.” - Dr Sunil
Click here to donate and support Dr Sunil and Chandrakanti Devi Cancer Foundation in treating cancer-ridden rural poor patients.
Charity No : 319201431163
