New Delhi, June 27, 2025: In a significant step towards marking National Cancer Survivors Month, Apollo Cancer Centres (ACCs) today announced the launch of ‘CanWin’, a cancer support group that brings everyone together in their cancer journey.
Rooted in belief that “shared strength can change lives”, CanWin, a brand agnostic platform brings together oncologists, psycho-oncologists, patients, survivors, caregivers, and volunteers to form a compassionate community rooted in empathy, understanding, and guidance. This is more than just a group. it’s a safe space to talk, listen, learn, and heal. Whether you’re recently diagnosed and navigating treatment or caring for someone with cancer, or living beyond it, you are not alone.
CanWin, a name that brings together two powerful ideas: There’s a CAN in cancer, a quiet reminder of strength and possibility. And there’s WIN not just a destination, but a mindset. A decision to rise with grit, grace, and determination.
The initiative was launched with an emotional story telling session led by the cancer winners where each one of them took the centre stage to share their personal stories of courage, strength and triumph. These raw and inspiring narratives served as a beacon of hope for others walking down a similar path.
“I was just 22, a medical student with dreams ahead, when cancer tried to pause my life. But I chose to fight through fear, loneliness, and chemotherapy. I didn’t just survive; I thrived. Today, every challenge feels smaller because I know the strength I carry within.” said, Deeba Siddiqui, breast cancer survivor and medical researcher.
Another inspiring breast cancer survivor, Ritu Kapoor, shared her journey with quiet strength “As a mother, I always stayed strong for my family, but during cancer, they became my strength. I’ve always believed in living healthy, and now, I live even more mindfully. Cancer tested me, but it also taught me to cherish every moment with greater joy and gratitude.”
“Coming from a family of wrestlers, giving up was never an option. When oral cancer knocked me down, I fought back with faith in my doctors and strength from within. As a teacher, I’ve guided many through their toughest academic battles—this was mine. And I emerged stronger, with a story to inspire and a purpose renewed.” Said, Satyadeep Parashar, oral cancer survivor and research mentor.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Dinesh Madhavan, President, Group Oncology & International, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd, said, “Today’s fight against cancer goes beyond advanced therapies—it’s equally about emotional resilience and human connection. Initiatives like CanWin bridge that gap by offering cancer winners a platform to share, reflect, and heal, with doctors and caregivers standing in solidarity. When guided by empathy, storytelling becomes a therapeutic tool—empowering both the speaker and the listener. As we move toward more holistic models of care, CanWin embodies our commitment to creating ecosystems where science and humanity work hand in hand.”
“At Apollo Cancer Centres, we’ve always believed that healing goes beyond treatment. With ‘CanWin,’ we are creating a community where courage is shared, voices are heard, and positive stories become a support to medicine. This is a brand agnostic platform, meaning its open for all cancer patients, caregivers, oncologists and bystanders,” said Dr Gen Bipin Puri, Director Medical Services, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. “This initiative is a step towards humanising cancer care to offer not just clinical expertise, but emotional strength and companionship too,” he added.
The event also featured professional storytellers who mentored cancer winners to share their journeys as a means of healing, advocacy, and connection.
“Storytelling helps give meaning to pain. It transforms silent battles into shared wisdom. “These cancer winners are not just telling stories but they’re rewriting the narrative of what it means to live with and beyond cancer,” said Mr Ashish Bhandari, professional storyteller, who mentored the cancer winners.
The event also saw participation from leading oncologists, who highlighted that cancer survival rates have significantly improved across all age groups, especially with early detection and advanced treatment. They emphasized that initiatives like ‘CanWin’ play a vital role in supporting emotional recovery and improving quality of life of patients and survivors at every stage of treatment.
Through monthly gatherings, storytelling therapy, survivor-led workshops, expert Q&As, and volunteering opportunities, ‘CanWin’, initiative aims to build a vibrant community grounded in empathy, resilience, and shared experience.
#WinningOverCancer
 today announced the launch of ‘CanWin’, a cancer support group that brings everyone together in their cancer journey.){kind=link}