I was born in India, got my MBSS from BJ medical in Ahemdabad, Gujarat. Got Medical Oncology and Hematology from UCI, California, USA. Practiced Hematology and Oncology in Santa Maria from 1981 to 2018. Married and have 2 grown up young adult sons in USA. Retired in 2018 and wanted to give back to my native birth place “Saurashtra”. Hence this journey.
Looking at major medical issues faced by humanity, the current top 3 in order are Cardiac, Diabetes and Cancer. But the way we are going there is a general feeling that in the next decade or so Cancer will be the number one major medical issue overtaking both Cardiac and Diabetes.
I have been visiting India annually since last 20 years but lately I try to visit every 3 months and I found that whenever I met young people and learn that person has incurable cancer or dying prematurely due to cancer, my heart used to break down. Also when I engaged with them, they felt nobody ever explained about ill effects of tobacco, made me realize as a society how far we are ignorant and irresponsible. Also when I talk to young girls I find they lack knowledge about the relationship of poor hygiene and cervical cancer or the women are not taught about the importance of self breast examination. When I see high cure rate in west, I am amazed to see how dismal is the prognosis in developing countries like India.
So when I retired in 2018 in USA, I discussed my thoughts with lots of Oncologists, Dentists and Gynecologists in Gujarat. In all conversations, the importance of awareness and knowledge were the common denominators and felt a good beginning would be if I can give a platform to take all the issues through comprehensive Cancer Prevention Program. Without too much experience I was little bit apprehensive but as I got so much response and support from various walks of life I was delighted and now feel confident about future prospects. I was convinced and engaged in a dialog with Rajkot Cancer Society and had meeting of minds with their trustees. Hence the formation of Kundaria Cancer Prevention Foundation a division of Rajkot Cancer Society in January 2019.
The major success might be from the dedicated team I am able to find and now we are not looking back. We also know we have long ways to go before we can go out and tell others about any achievement.
With all your support I am sure we can beat cancer by spreading cancer awareness and education.
So join me in this journey to help spread the AWARENESS and EDUCATION
Dr. Bhanji Kundaria
Founder
Kundaria Cancer Prevention Foundation
Division of Rajkot Cancer Society