CanSupport offers cancer patients free care, home visits and nutrition support in Pune

At a stall at an exhibition in Pune, buyers do not pay a fixed price. Painted diyas, handmade items and decorative goods are on display, but none carries a price tag. Customers pay as much as they feel the item is worth and take it home.

All the items have been made by patients battling cancer. The aim of the initiative by the organisation CanSupport is to bring recognition to the patients' art, build their confidence and raise funds to help them. By providing many services free, from treatment to counselling, to patients with cancer and other serious illnesses, the organisation is becoming a source of hope in their lives.

CanSupport is a non-profit organisation that began in 1996. Its work is not limited to treating illness. It helps patients facing serious disease to live with relief from pain, and it also stresses mental, emotional and social support for patients' families. In recognition of this work, the World Health Organization (WHO) has honoured it with the Public Health Champion Award. The organisation works in seven states: Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Jharkhand. It has served in Pune since 2025.

In Pune, services currently reach patients through 13 teams, which include five doctors, 13 nurses and 14 counsellors. Facilities are also provided through two OPDs. According to the organisation, treatment, medicines and nursing care for pain and other physical symptoms are provided on a doctor's advice. Counselling for mental and emotional distress is also free. Patients also receive necessary tests, information on government financial schemes and guidance on treatment.

For patients who cannot come to hospital, a trained team of doctors, nurses, counsellors and physiotherapists provides care at home. Help is also given through OPD services, day care, counselling in hospitals and a mobile palliative care clinic. Family members are taught how to care for the patient at home and how to give medicines. Needy patients are given nutritious food and a protein supplement. Caregivers are also helped to start small businesses such as tailoring or running a handcart.

The work is carried out under the guidance of chief executive officer Dr Ambika Rajvanshi. The service is funded by money from the sale of items made by patients and by donations. Reshma Jadhav (counsellor) and Priya Bhale (nurse), representatives of the organisation, said the patients' craft is creating not only beautiful objects but also hope in their own lives and those of others.

For help, the Saath Saath national palliative care helpline number is 18002027777. The telephone assistance number is 9266682182.