“Hope and Strength” — a heartfelt initiative celebrating courage, resilience, and collective wellbeing

Beneath the timeless corridors of the iconic Indian Museum, stories of courage echoed louder than fear as bladder cancer survivors, caregivers, and doctors came together for an emotional evening of hope, healing, and resilience. Marking Bladder Cancer Awareness Month, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass organized a heartfelt Bladder Cancer Champions’ Meet that celebrated not just survival, but the extraordinary strength of individuals who fought one of the most under-recognized cancers with determination and positivity. Held in the presence of Dr. Abhay Kumar, Director – Urology and Uro-Oncology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass; Dr. Sayan Bhattacharya, Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata (Ministry of Culture, Government of India); and other senior clinicians, the gathering transformed the historic venue into a space of shared emotions, inspiring recovery journeys, and renewed awareness around bladder cancer and the importance of timely diagnosis.

With bladder cancer cases steadily increasing in India, the event also highlighted the urgent need for greater awareness and early diagnosis. In 2026, India is expected to witness nearly 25,000 to 26,000 new bladder cancer cases annually, with some clinical estimates suggesting even higher numbers as cancer reporting improves across the country. Bladder cancer accounts for around 3% to 4% of all male cancers in India and is nearly four times more common in men than women. Despite the rising numbers, awareness around the disease, its early symptoms, and timely treatment remains limited, making initiatives like this survivors’ meet important in encouraging early detection, open conversations, and stronger patient support.

In his speech, Dr. Abhay Kumar said, “Bladder cancer is frequently overlooked, leading to late diagnosis and complex treatment requirements. Our focus has been to combine cutting-edge technology with patient-centric care to ensure the best outcomes. Robotic-assisted surgeries have dramatically improved precision and recovery time for our patients. Through events like these, we aim to dispel myths and encourage timely medical attention. We have our bladder cancer support group as well, which we launched in 2023. Since then, our patients and survivors have been meeting regularly to share their experiences and support each other through their recovery journeys.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sayan Bhattacharya, Director, Indian Museum, Kolkata (Ministry of Culture, Government of India), said: “Today, the role of museums is constantly expanding. They are evolving into an inclusive cultural space that encourages and nurtures societal dialogue and reflects the lived experiences of people. Aligning with the national vision of ‘Vikas Bhi, Virasat Bhi’, Indian Museum, an institute with a legacy of two-hundred and twelve years, are becoming more accessible and inclusive for all sections of society. In this rapidly evolving world, the experiences of cancer survivors and their families are equally important narratives of resilience, courage, and human dignity that deserve recognition and empathy. Cancer journeys are never fought by patients alone; they are shared by families, caregivers, doctors, and entire communities. It is deeply inspiring to witness survivors come forward with hope and strength, encouraging others to speak openly about the disease and seek timely care. Such initiatives help foster a more aware, compassionate, and humane society where conversations around health, healing, and emotional well-being are embraced with sensitivity and dignity.”

Sharing his experience, Tapash Karmakar, a 45-year-old male bladder cancer survivor, said, “When I was diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer in October 2024, my world came to a standstill. The journey through chemotherapy and major surgery was physically and emotionally challenging, but the constant support from my doctors, family, and caregivers gave me the strength to keep fighting. Under the expert care of Dr. Abhay Kumar and his team, I underwent four cycles of chemotherapy followed by a surgery to remove the cancer-affected bladder and create a new way for urine storage and passage. Today, hearing that there is no residual disease and being able to live a healthy, disease-free life feels nothing short of a second chance. I want others to know that cancer is not the end; early treatment, the right medical guidance, and a positive mindset can truly change outcomes. Meetings like these give survivors hope, confidence, and the reassurance that they are not alone in this journey.”

Soma Das (name changed), a 62-year-old female bladder cancer survivor, shared, “When I was diagnosed with a bladder tumour, I was extremely anxious and uncertain about what lay ahead, especially as I was already managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid-related health issues. However, the support and confidence given by my doctors helped me stay positive throughout the journey. Under the care of Dr. Abhay Kumar and his team, I underwent a robotic-assisted surgery where only the affected part of my bladder was removed, allowing my bladder to be preserved successfully. After treatment and regular follow-ups, I am now disease-free and living a healthy life again. My message to others is simple; never ignore symptoms and seek medical help early, because timely treatment can truly make all the difference.”