River cruise palliative for cancer patients

Guwahati: For 50-year-old cancer-afflicted Nur Islam, a native of Dhubri, cruising down the Brahmaputra on a luxury cruise aboard the Alfresco Grand provided momentary relief from life's uncertainty.
On Saturday, Islam and 45 other terminally ill cancer patients and their families were taken on the cruise as part of an initiative by the Brahmaputra River Cruise Private Limited and Dr B Borooah Cancer Institute (BBCI).Those aboard were given a grand reception.
It was an effort to boost the spirits of those battling the disease and instil confidence in them. Two districts in the northeast recently recorded the highest age-adjusted cancer incidence rate in the country.
This was the first time that a group of cancer-afflicted patients had the opportunity of enjoying the majestic grandeur of the river.
"This is my first river cruise on the Brahmaputra on board such a beautiful ship. I was detected with throat cancer two months ago. Today, I feel much lighter," said Islam.
"We have to think about these people not as patients but as people who need our love and respect. There is an urgent need to address their anxiety. At BBCI, we take them on outdoor outings often but this has been the first time that a river cruise was planned for them," said AC Kataki, director, BBCI.
Also in the group was Anima Bora, whose 40-year-old son was diagnosed with oral cancer just three months ago. But the confident mother did not lose her heart. She has vowed to fight the scourge.
On board the ship, she gave a rousing speech, asking all those afflicted and their families not to lose hope and fight the disease with smiles on their faces.
As music was turned on and happy tunes belted out, patients jived to the rhythm.
"Life is short. We have to learn how to live. Cancer doesn't spell the end. We have to fight it and we have to fight hard with a smile on our faces. We have to hold on to positive thoughts while dealing with this," said Bora.