Kolkata, June 25, 2025 : In a significant step towards marking National Cancer Survivors Month, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs) today announced the launch of ‘CanWin’, a cancer support group that brings everyone together in their cancer journey.
Rooted in belief that “shared strength can change lives”, CanWin, a brand agnostic platform brings together oncologists, psycho-oncologists, patients, survivors, caregivers, and volunteers to form a compassionate community rooted in empathy, understanding, and guidance. This is more than just a group. it’s a safe space to talk, listen, learn, and heal. Whether you’re recently diagnosed and navigating treatment or caring for someone with cancer, or living beyond it, you are not alone.
CanWin, a name that brings together two powerful ideas: There’s a CAN in cancer, a quiet reminder of strength and possibility. And there’s WIN not just a destination, but a mindset. A decision to rise with grit, grace, and determination.
The initiative was launched with an emotional story telling session led by the cancer winners where each one of them took the centre stage to share their personal stories of courage, strength and triumph. These raw and inspiring narratives served as a beacon of hope for others walking down a similar path.
The cancer winners, Aloke Mukherjee, Manini Ray, Gayatri Chatterjee, Mathummal Sudarshan, Jyoti Kejriwal and Bireswar Sarkar, along with several other cancer winners, came forward to share their moving journeys
“Being diagnosed with metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma, without even knowing where it began, was one of the most uncertain moments of my life. But I chose faith over fear. Cancer challenged my body and spirit, but it also revealed my strength. Today, I live with purpose, gratitude, and the belief that even the unknown can be faced with courage and hope.” Said, Aloke Mukherjee, metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma survivor.
Another inspiring breast cancer survivor, Manini Ray, shared her journey with quiet strength “Breast cancer changed my life, but it didn’t take away my spirit. I chose to face it with strength and self-belief. Today, I carry my scars with pride—they are proof that I fought, endured, and emerged stronger.”
“A malignant melanoma diagnosis changed everything, but I refused to let it define me. Each day became a chance to fight back—with courage, hope, and faith in my journey. I turned fear into strength and chose to live with purpose, resilience, and a heart full of gratitude.” Said, Mathummal Sudarshan, malignant melanoma survivor.
Speaking on the occasion, Dinesh Madhavan, President, Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said, “Today’s fight against cancer goes beyond advanced therapies—it’s equally about emotional resilience and human connection. Initiatives like CanWin bridge that gap by offering cancer winners a platform to share, reflect, and heal, with doctors and caregivers standing in solidarity. When guided by empathy, storytelling becomes a therapeutic tool—empowering both the speaker and the listener. As we move toward more holistic models of care, CanWin embodies our commitment to creating ecosystems where science and humanity work hand in hand.”
“At Apollo Cancer Centres, we’ve always believed that healing goes beyond treatment. With ‘CanWin,’ we are creating a community where courage is shared, voices are heard, and positive stories become a support to medicine. This is a brand agnostic platform, meaning its open for all cancer patients, caregivers, oncologists and bystanders,” said Dr Surinder Singh Bhatia, Director Medical Services, Apollo Hospitals, Eastern Region. “This initiative is a step towards humanising cancer care to offer not just clinical expertise, but emotional strength and companionship too,” he added.
The event also featured professional storytellers who mentored cancer winners to share their journeys as a means of healing, advocacy, and connection.
“Storytelling helps give meaning to pain. It transforms silent battles into shared wisdom. “These cancer winners are not just telling stories but they’re rewriting the narrative of what it means to live with and beyond cancer,” said Ms Sristi Sengupta, professional storyteller, who mentored the cancer winners.
The event also saw participation from leading oncologists, who highlighted that cancer survival rates have significantly improved across all age groups, especially with early detection and advanced treatment. They emphasized that initiatives like ‘CanWin’ play a vital role in supporting emotional recovery and improving quality of life of patients and survivors at every stage of treatment.
Through monthly gatherings, storytelling therapy, survivor-led workshops, expert Q&As, and volunteering opportunities, ‘CanWin’, initiative aims to build a vibrant community grounded in empathy, resilience, and shared experience.
#WinningOverCancer
