Pune: A group of cancer survivors and doctors from the city has come up with a cook book, titled ‘Cancer Kitchen’, with simple but innovative dishes for cancer patients, which are made considering their dietary needs. The book will be released on World Cancer Day (February 4).
One of the contributions and cancer survivors, 58-year-old advocate Alka Joshi told Sakal Times that the most important role is that of the patient while fighting cancer.
“We can see that families and friends spend a lot of time with the patient. The patient is bedridden. So, how can the patient contribute despite being bedridden? That is by eating healthy and staying positive. Doctors give you a dietary schedule.
During the treatment, it becomes sometimes difficult to stick to the diet. So, we have come up with these easy-to-make recipes that are innovative and yummy,” said Joshi.
Another survivor who has contributed to the book, 47-year-old Manushree Apte said small victories matter a lot. “We all face so many adversities but fighting cancer has actually made the bond between me, my family and friends stronger.
“For a cancer survivor, to make their own food is a victory in its own way. When your family appreciates even a small effort that you take, the battle becomes easier to win,” said Apte.
42-year-old Prachi Junawane said, “We know that the condition needs treatment. It is up to to us whether to be happy or sad
about it.”
“Following the diet becomes very difficult after a certain period of time. I was never a cook so far. But being a survivor has definitely made me cook for myself and my family. Also, I have come to love baking and I have shared some very simple baking recipes in the book,” she said.
Dr Amit Bhatt, consultant oncologist at the Avinash Cancer Clinic, told Sakal Times that the aim of this activity is to highlight that there is life beyond cancer.
“The patients can lead a normal life after cancer too. Also, diet plays a very important role and should not be neglected by the patient. Hence, we all came up with this idea of a cook book by cancer patients for cancer patients. There are 14 contributors, who have shared their quick recipes in the book. It is published by Decimate C, a non-profit anti-cancer foundation,” said Bhatt.
