Physical Restoration Services

The immediate reactions of an individual faced with the diagnosis of cancer and the possibility of disability resulting from surgery, are often alarming and catastrophic. An acute sense of loss pervades all fields of activity and thought. Understandably, the cancer patient's problems of adjustment, exceed those of patients with most other disease in their intensity, frequency and duration.  In addition the cancer patient's ability to effectively mobilise physical and emotional resources is frequently reduced. At times, even personal relationship with the members of their own family members is affected. The unfortunate social stigma may lead to isolation. Most of the unfortunate victims of cancer are thus in great need of counselling. 

Social workers in our Centre give necessary guidance and counselling to these patients and their families. Nearly 8000 patients are given these services every year. Special mutual-aid clubs are being organised for such cases in many countries and have proved to be of great help in psycho-social rehabilitation. 

Three self-help patient's group viz. "The Indian Association of Laryngectomees",  "The Indian Chapter of the Reach to Recovery Programme" and "The Ostomy Association of India", have been established by us so far. Patient volunteers of these self-help groups provide pre and post-operative counselling to fellow patients and members of their families.

Children suffering from cancer need special attention. A suitable recreational, nutrition and educational programme was, therefore, started for them in 1979. About 200 children are given the necessary rehabilitation assistance every year. By now some of these children have grown up normally and have been graduated in commerce, engineering and technical subjects.