Apollo Cancer Centres Launches ‘CanWin’–A Support Group That Brings Everyone Together in Their Cancer Journey
· Its first activity is ‘Stories from the STAGE by Cancer Winners’
Bengaluru: 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 create a compassionate community built on empathy, support and shared understanding. More than just a group — it’s a safe space to talk, listen, learn, and heal. Whether you’re recently diagnosed, undergoing treatment or a caregiver, or living beyond it, you are not alone.
CanWin — a name that embodies 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.
Speaking at the event, cancer winners from Bengaluru opined, “Winning cancer isn’t just about beating the disease, it’s about finding strength you never knew you had. The journey tested every part of us- physically, emotionally, and mentally. But, it also revealed the power of hope, the comfort of community, and the courage that comes from within. We’ve learned to embrace life with more gratitude, to value the people who stood by us, and to speak up for others still fighting. Today, we stand not just as cancer winners, but as people who have discovered a deeper meaning in every moment.”
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. Preetham Kabbinahithlu, Joint Director, Clinical Administration, Apollo Cancer Centre, Bengaluru. “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 narratives of what it means to live with and beyond cancer,” said Mr Prashant Pradhan, a 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.
