Latest news with #TataMemorialHospital
Time of India
05-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
A daily dose of yoga to aid recovery of paediatric cancer survivors at Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai
Mumbai: At 9.30am every weekday, the usually packed outpatient corridors of 's paediatric wing transform into a serene zone. Tens of paediatric cancer survivors gather in the play area, yoga mats are unfurled, and their tiny hands stretch skyward. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now For these children — many who travelled hundreds of kilometres for lifesaving treatment — a one-hour yoga session has become the highlight of their day. Since April, the Parel-based cancer hub's IMPaCCT Foundation has partnered with Kaivalyadhama Yoga Institute to offer these sessions free of charge. The Yoga Institute's central coordinator Dileep Dauneria said that the programme is "not just a yoga class, but a scientifically grounded support system". In recent years, studies have mapped the benefits of complementary therapies, especially mind-body therapies such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, and art therapies, for cancer patients; there has been a noticeable drop in the common cancer-related side effects such as nausea, pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression among these patients. A study by Dr Ram P Agarwal and Dr Adi Maroko of the University of Miami's Division of Oncology highlights how mind-body therapies reduced stress hormones and bolstered immune response in cancer patients — findings that reinforce Tata Memorial Hospital's initiative. Tata Memorial Hospital itself conducted one the largest studies on the effects of yoga on cancer patients in 2017. The research, led by former director Dr Rajendra Badwe, found that a 45-minute yoga session for two to three years vastly improved the quality of life for breast cancer patients and reduced fatigue and deaths by 15%. For Shalini Jatia, officer-in-charge of Tata Memorial Hospital's paediatric foundation since its inception in 2008, the impetus of starting daily yoga sessions for children was clear: to provide holistic cancer treatment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "For children battling cancer, yoga is more than just movement — it is a gentle tool that nurtures resilience, restores emotional balance, and supports recovery. This aligns with ImPaCCT Foundation's mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that goes beyond medical treatment," she said. IMPaCCT helps paediatric patients and their families with transportation, accommodation, nutrition as well as education and creative therapies. Pranita Das shared that six-year-old daughter looks forward to dancing and does well, according to her instructors. Pravina Fernando said her seven-year-old daughter eagerly anticipated each session. The carefully structured routines — developed for ages zero to 15 — show promise. Plans are underway to extend yoga to admitted paediatric patients, adapting sessions to ward playrooms after the morning rounds are over. "Our dream," said Jatia, "is that every child leaves Tata Memorial Hospital not only cancer-free but with memories of joy, empowerment, and a lifelong tool for wellness."
The Hindu
31-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Maj.Gen. (Rtd.) P.D. Sheena from Thrissur wins Florence Nightingale Award 2025
Maj. Gen.(Rtd.) Sheena P. D., a native of Vadama in Mala, Thrissur district, has won the prestigious Florence Nightingale Award 2025. President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred the award upon her during a ceremonial event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday. After an illustrious career spanning nearly 40 years, she retired as Additional Director General of Military Nursing Service recently. Sheena began her illustrious career in 1985 when she joined the Military Nursing Service. In 1994, she specialised in Oncology Nursing from the renowned Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai. She earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Hospital and Healthcare Management from Symbiosis Institute, Pune, in 2012. Her exceptional service and leadership led to various administrative appointments within the Armed Forces. She was selected for administrative duties and served as the Principal of the School of Nursing at the Military Hospital in Secunderabad under the Southern Command, and later as the Principal of the College of Nursing at the Command Hospital in Kolkata under the Eastern Command. At the Integrated Headquarters of the Army in Delhi (DGMS), she held key staff roles including Colonel Training (MNS) and Brigadier Admin (MNS). Her distinguished career spans across multiple military hospitals throughout India, where she has made significant contributions. During her tenure as a Brigadier, she was posted as the Principal Matron at the Northern Command Hospital in Udhampur, Kashmir, further proving her ability to serve in challenging environments. The National Florence Nightingale Award, instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, honours the dedication, compassion, and resilience that define the nursing profession. Each award includes a Certificate of Merit, a cash prize of ₹1,00,000, and a medal. This year, 15 nurses from various regions and healthcare settings were honoured for their exemplary service.
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
With ‘MenCan', TMH steps up on gender-inclusive oncology
Mumbai: Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), which has for long led efforts to provide cancer care to women and children in India, has launched MenCan, a comprehensive initiative focused exclusively on male cancer patients. The initiative marks a crucial step toward gender-inclusive oncology as it addresses prostate, testicular, and penile cancers, which are common among men. Male pelvic cancers are deeply stigmatised, and silence often leads to late-stage diagnosis. TMH alone sees around 1,100 prostate, 300 testicular, and 150 penile cancer cases annually. But nearly 80% prostate cancer patients are diagnosed in the advanced stages, which contrasts sharply with trends in developed countries, where 80% cases are detected early. 'In India, only 20–30% cases are diagnosed in the second stage. Most reach us when the cancer is far advanced,' said Dr Gagan Prakash, professor of surgical oncology at TMH. 'This is due to a mix of stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to screening.' MenCan is TMC's answer to this crisis. The programme combines medical care with holistic support—focusing on early detection, counseling, fertility services, financial aid, and long-term rehabilitation through a survivorship clinic. It also works to normalise discussions around male health through public education and outreach. A key concern MenCan addresses is treatment dropout. 'Nearly 20–30% male patients discontinue treatment, primarily due to financial constraints,' said Dr Vedang Murthy, a core member of the initiative. 'Our goal is to ensure no one drops out because they can't afford care, or because they're too ashamed to ask for help.' The initiative includes a confidential helpline (8451009760) for guidance and emotional support, which links up patients with support groups, survivorship meetings, and counselling sessions. 'Our helpline ensures men don't have to face this battle alone,' said Dr Prakash. According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2022, India is expected to record 41,736 prostate, 4,640 testicular, and 11,264 penile cancer cases by 2025. Prostate cancer ranks 12th in India but is expected to climb as the elderly male population grows. The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) estimates the 60+ demographic will nearly double, from 8.6% to 19.5% by 2050. Though rare, testicular cancer affects men between 14 and 44 years and has a 90% survival rate even in advanced stages. Penile cancer, despite being rare globally, sees the highest incidence in India. TMH's audit of 750 penile cancer cases revealed patients aged between 22 and 91 years. MenCan has roped in well-known singer Shaan as brand ambassador. It has also developed a campus navigation app for TMH's 60-acre ACTREC campus to help first-time visitors. 'MenCan is not just about treating cancer—it's about restoring dignity, breaking silence, and making sure every man gets the care he deserves,' said Dr Prakash. The initiative is likely to be expanded across all Tata Memorial Centres in India, he added.
