Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, oncologist and recipient of the Padma Shri award, has said cancer was like any other disease and patients should not lose hope, stating that the recent research into cancer has helped many patients survive and recover.Dr. Deshmane spoke after accepting the Akka award presented on the occasion of Akkamahadevi Jayanthi programme organised by Akkana Balaga at Basava Kendra in Shivamogga, on Friday. She said when she began her profession as a surgeon in the 1980s, the patients suffering from cancer hardly survived. She witnessed many patients die hours after undergoing the surgery. Earlier breast cancer was treated as non-curable.“However, things have improved because of research in recent years. Almost every patient walks back home healthy after the surgery. Breast cancer can be cured. Patients should not lose hope”, she said.Recalling her childhood days, Deshmane said she was born to a poor family, and because of her parents’ hard work and struggle, all her siblings could secure jobs and serve society. “All my six sisters have secured doctoral degrees. All that because of the sacrifice of our parents. They were committed to providing education for the children," she noted.Basava Marulasidda Swamy of Basava Kendra highlighted Deshmane's service in treating cancer patients. BJP MLC Dr. Dhananjay Sarji spoke on the life and achievements of Dr. Deshmane. Akkana Balaga chairperson Shashikala Chandrappa, Basava Kendra chairperson D.B. Benakappa and others were present.Published - April 04, 2026 09:01 pm IST