NMBT’s Cancer Care program shines as a beacon of hope for underprivileged cancer patients navigating their treatment journeys in Mumbai’s public hospitals. This program weaves a comprehensive tapestry of support designed to ensure every patient can complete their treatment with dignity and care.
Our Network of Services Includes
- Financial Aid: Offering finance support for cancer treatment to alleviate the burden of medical expenses, allowing patients to focus on healing.
- Psychosocial Counselling: Creating safe spaces for emotional support, helping patients and families cope with the psychological toll of cancer.
- Wellbeing Sessions: Empowering patients, families and other stakeholders with knowledge about cancer care, treatment options, hygiene and self-advocacy.
- Creating Awareness: Conducting sessions to raise awareness about cancer early detection and prevention.
Cancer Counselling Activities
Cancer Care in Pictures
Cancer Counselling Services
The essence of counselling is to develop a positive mindset in patients, helping them complete treatment to its logical conclusion.
Support Group for Breast Cancer Patients
Monthly support group activities aimed at strengthening treatment and follow-up in public hospitals, open to all patients and caregivers.
Personal and Social Well-being Sessions
Awareness sessions on the various concerns faced by cancer patients.
Financial Support to Poor and Needy Patients
Needy patients under treatment at public hospitals are supported for radiation therapy and long chemotherapy, after carefully assessing their needs and condition.
Subsidized Accommodation
Short-term accommodation is provided to patients, along with one caregiver.
Prosthesis Support for Breast Cancer Patients
Prosthesis support is granted to post-surgery breast cancer patients from public hospitals, helping them regain confidence.
Annual Get-Together of Cancer Challengers
Each year, NMBT brings together cancer patients, survivors and caregivers for a day of community, wellness and celebration — a reminder that no one faces treatment alone.
Cancer Care Infrastructure Investment
NMBT has supported the refurbishing of Ward 34 and OPD 44, and Ward 20, at B.Y.L. Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai — creating cleaner, more dignified spaces for patients undergoing treatment.
Counselling Case Studies
A Patient in Palliative Care
In a palliative care setting, a 61-year-old female patient initially struggled with anxiety due to comparing her illness to those of other patients. During her first counselling session, a thorough case history was taken, and psychoeducation was provided about the hospital’s functioning and treatment plans. The counsellor noticed that her comparisons hindered her focus on her own treatment.
To address this, cognitive restructuring techniques were employed to help her recognise that each illness is unique and that focusing on her own journey was more beneficial. Mindfulness and grounding techniques were introduced to promote presence and calmness. Gradually, she shifted her focus from comparison to her health, resulting in noticeable improvements. Upon discharge, she conveyed deep gratitude for the guidance she received, highlighting the positive impact of the counselling on her emotional well-being.
Mira — A Breast Cancer Patient from West Bengal
A 36-year-old breast cancer patient from West Bengal, diagnosed in June 2023, initially struggled with distress over her treatment and financial issues, particularly her inability to pay her daughter’s school fees. During the first counselling session, Mira expressed a desire to stop treatment and return home due to financial strain. Through active listening, the counsellor built trust, emphasised the importance of continuing treatment, and provided practical guidance on budget management.
Mira was also encouraged to communicate with her daughter’s teacher. After practising the conversation, the teacher allowed her daughter to take exams despite the outstanding fees. In later sessions, Mira reported relief and happiness, successfully completing her treatment and entering maintenance therapy — deeply grateful for the holistic support that helped her through this challenging time.
A Grandmother’s Journey from Kutch, Gujarat
In May 2024, the grandmother of a 5-year-old boy from Kutch, Gujarat, diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma, struggled with overwhelming fear and emotional distress, leading to initial non-compliance with his treatment. The counsellor provided emotional support and psychoeducation, which helped her understand the illness and the importance of treatment.
Gradually, she became more confident and compliant. As her health began to decline under stress, the counsellor introduced self-care strategies like mindfulness breathing, short walks and nutritious snacks. Art therapy was encouraged as a shared activity with her grandson, strengthening their bond. With continued counselling, the grandmother’s well-being improved, and the family is now confidently completing the boy’s treatment.