Helping cancer survivors navigate the emotional, social, and livelihood challenges that often begin after treatment ends.
At 42, Esther Terangpi from Karbi Anglong, Assam, was balancing the demands of work and motherhood when life took an unexpected turn. In February
2024, she was diagnosed with carcinoma of the left breast. Alongside fears for her own health, she worried constantly about what the future would hold
for her daughter.
Over the next six months, Esther underwent an intensive course of treatment that included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The physical toll was relentless—fatigue, post-surgery numbness, and sleepless nights became part of daily life. The financial burden was equally overwhelming, with medical expenses, travel costs, and loss of income placing additional strain on the family. Esther battled it all and successfully completed her treatment.
Little did she know that some of the toughest challenges lay ahead. Life after cancer brought a new set of uncertainties, coping with lingering treatment effects, managing the fear of recurrence, dealing with psychosocial stress, and finding a way to rebuild her life and livelihood.
Over the next six months, Esther underwent an intensive course of treatment that included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The physical toll was relentless—fatigue, post-surgery numbness, and sleepless nights became part of daily life. The financial burden was equally overwhelming, with medical expenses, travel costs, and loss of income placing additional strain on the family. Esther battled it all and successfully completed her treatment.
Little did she know that some of the toughest challenges lay ahead. Life after cancer brought a new set of uncertainties, coping with lingering treatment effects, managing the fear of recurrence, dealing with psychosocial stress, and finding a way to rebuild her life and livelihood.
The programme provides coordinated survivorship care by connecting individuals with a multidisciplinary network of specialists who address their
physical, emotional, psychosocial, and livelihood-related needs.
Through SAHYOG, Esther too was connected with a range of healthcare professionals who helped her navigate her recovery. During one such interaction, underlying psychosocial concerns that had remained unaddressed came to light. The programme enabled her to access counselling and specialised mental health support, helping her cope with the emotional impact of her cancer journey and regain confidence in her future.
Recognising the importance of economic rehabilitation, SAHYOG also helped Esther secure employment as a General Duty Assistant at the Diphu Cancer Centre under the ACCF. The opportunity not only restored a source of income but also gave her a renewed sense of purpose, independence, and self-belief.
Through SAHYOG, Esther too was connected with a range of healthcare professionals who helped her navigate her recovery. During one such interaction, underlying psychosocial concerns that had remained unaddressed came to light. The programme enabled her to access counselling and specialised mental health support, helping her cope with the emotional impact of her cancer journey and regain confidence in her future.
Recognising the importance of economic rehabilitation, SAHYOG also helped Esther secure employment as a General Duty Assistant at the Diphu Cancer Centre under the ACCF. The opportunity not only restored a source of income but also gave her a renewed sense of purpose, independence, and self-belief.
Through initiatives such as the SAHYOG Cancer Survivorship Programme, supported by the
Tata Trusts, cancer survivors like Esther are receiving the care, guidance, and opportunities
they need to move beyond treatment and towards a future defined not by illness, but by hope,
dignity, and resilience.
