Asian Cancer Support Group is an organisation which runs under the umbrella of Oshwal Elderly Welfare Association (OEWA).
The Support Group was launched in December 2004 with the funding and support from Macmillan Cancer Support who has supported us throughout the 3 years and we are extremely grateful for that.
The main aim of our Support Group is to listen to people affected by Cancer, signpost them to any services that are available, offer a befriending service,
offer a budding service for hospital visits etc.
We all know that at the delicate time of diagnosis of Cancer patients and families feel shocked and feel lost----"WHAT SHALL WE DO NOW".
This is the time we can offer a little support if in need.
We took off in the year 2005 and we were pleasantly surprised with the response from the public. Our first report was published in this year.
Report January 2006 - December 2006
We started the year in January with Dal Rotli programme.
The idea was to get people together and make them aware that "WE ARE HERE TO HELP" and take this message out in the Community.
An extremely successful Saturday evening with around 150 people enjoying home cooked Dal Rotli, Semolina seero, rice, chaas, papad, salad. We ended the evening with masala chai.
The meal was sponsored by one of our members Mr. Amritlal Narshi Shah for which we are very grateful.
• January 2006
A personal experience of Bowel Cancer
Speaker - Nirmala de Silva
An extremely informative session with Mrs Nirmala de Silva who was so careful with her diet and life style before the Cancer.
Nirmala's symptoms were rectal bleeding which she thought nothing of but still went to her G.P. who carried out further examination and tests. To her Shock and horror Cancer was diagnosed.
She is totally in remission for quite a few years. Nirmala's message to all of us was not to ignore any symptoms and go to your doctor if in any doubt. An early diagnosis is extremely important.
Eat more fiber, lots of fluid, fruit and vegetables and regular exercise and know your bowel habits and recognise any change.
• February 2006
Talk: Yoga and Pranayam
Speaker - Chandrakantbhai Shukla
After a short introduction to Yoga we all practiced it. We all know the importance of this in our daily lives as a stress reliever as well strengthening ourselves on all levels.
• March 2006
Talk: Radiology
A Consultant Radiologist from May Day University Hospital in Croydon gave around 30 members a talk on Diagnostic Scans. Scans such as Ultrasounds, MRI, and CT Scans etc are used routinely
for Cancer Diagnosis. She gave us an insight on what these scans mean e.g. a CT scan is a method used since 1074 to visualise certain regions of the body slice by slice. It sees inside your body into areas that standard x rays cannot visualise. This scan enables early diagnosis and precise treatment. I must mention that the Consultant was very impressed with our work.
• April 2006
Talk: Reiki Healing
Speaker - Smitaben Raval
This healing is of a great advantage to Cancer patients. All the members had a chance to practice these hands on therapy themselves. The general view of the members was the calming effect it had in that short time.
Reiki healing enables the patient to deal with stress and helps to deal with a lot of issues connected to any illness in a calm manner. Another great and very important effect of Reiki healing is a good peaceful sleep.
• May 2006
Talk: Benefits and Financial Help
Speaker - Satish Shah
Satishbhai of the Oshwal Elderly Welfare Association gave a talk on Benefits and Financial help for people affected by Cancer. A very important factor when Cancer is diagnosed because there could be reduction in income. Unfortunately not many people know that there is financial help available on a means tested basis. Satish was very thorough in his
explanations on how the system works.
• June 2006
Talk: Oral Cancer
Speaker - Dilip Shah
A talk/presentation on Prevention of Oral Cancer (mouth cancer) was given by Mr., Dilip Shah a dentist from Brixton, South London. Dilip'S presentation was in a very understandable language and he made it very interesting because of his sense of humour which was appreciated in this very sensitive subject.
The main points highlighted were:
- Do not ignore mouth ulcers which do not heal
- Avoid eating betel nut, paan and avoid chewing tobacco especially for Asian Community
- Try to stop smoking
- Cut back on alcohol intake
- Visit Dentist regularly
DO NOT DELAY IN HAVING A CHECK UP BECAUSE EARLY DIAGNOSIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.
• July 2006
Talk: Nutrition in Indian Diet
Speaker - Vatsala Malde
Vatsala gave a talk on Nutrition in Indian Diet.Vatsala has studied Nutrition in depth as part of her Home Science Degree in India. The good point was that our Indian diet "Dal, bhat shak Rotli Kachumber chaas rotlo" is the balanced meal. In addition eat fruit and vegetables of various colures throughout the day.
A good point was that in order to get maximum benefit from spinach, always cook with a milk product.
• September 2006
Talk: Open Forum
After the summer break we had an open Forum to let members talk on various issues.
• October 2006
Talk: Prostate Cancer
Speaker - Suresh Rambaran
Mr.Suresh Rambaran from Prostate Cancer Care gave a presentation on Prostate Cancer.
This programme was attended by a lot of people specially men. Again early diagnosis can lead to a very good prognosis.
• November 2006
Talk: Toxicity in Daily Life
Speaker - Grace De Silva Hill
A Discussion on Toxicity in Daily Life by Grace De Silva Hill a prominent Homeopath in Croydon. The session was interactive and very interesting because everybody cknowledges that we are living in a toxic environment and we all need to be aware all the time in order to take responsibility. Less toxicity in or
on or around us means fewer burdens on body to get rid of them. Don't forget use of electro magnetic toxicity by use of mobile and hands free phones.
• December 2006
A festive gathering to mark end of a very successful year with a home cooked meal.