Communication Is The Key: Anupam Sachdeva

“I have been practicing as pediatric oncologist for almost 34 years. When I started, I saw firsthand the devastating impact of cancer on families. The questions that parents ask me are always the same: “Why me? What did I do to deserve this?” said Anupam Sachdeva, Chairman Department of Pediatrics and Director Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi at Oncology Summit hosted by BW Businessworld.

Emphasising the importance of providing hope and positivity to his patients and their families, he said, “As a doctor, it’s my duty to provide hope and positivity to my patients and their families. I believe that every child deserves a chance to live a normal life and it’s our responsibility as healthcare professionals to make that possible.”

In recent years, there has been significant progress in the treatment of pediatric cancer. “We have developed new technologies and therapies that have improved the chances of survival for many children. However, there is still much work to be done,” he added.

Highlighting one of the biggest challenges, he said that we face a huge financial burden that comes with treating cancer. Many families struggle to afford the cost of treatment, which can be a huge emotional and financial strain. That’s why it’s so important that we have organisations that provides a safe and supportive environment for families to stay while their child receives treatment. “I have seen that many parents prefer to have another child than taking care of the child fighting with cancer. I called it Nihilism,” he said.

As healthcare professionals, we must also recognise the importance of communication in our work. We need to listen to our patients and their families, and work together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs.

“In my experience, I have seen firsthand the impact that a positive and supportive environment can have on a patient’s recovery. When we take the time to listen to our patients and their families, and work together to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs, we can make a real difference in their lives,” Sachdeva said.

As we move forward, I believe that we must continue to prioritise precision oncology and personalised medicine. By using genetic testing and other advanced technologies, we can develop targeted treatments that are tailored to each patient’s unique needs, he emphasised.

He said that as healthcare professionals, we have a responsibility to provide hope and positivity to our patients and their families. “We must work together to develop new and innovative treatments that are tailored to each patient’s individual needs. By doing so, we can make a real difference in the lives of our patients and their families,” he added.