LALITPUR: The ‘Sudipta Cancer Survivor Ramp Walk 2026’ was successfully held on Saturday with the participation of more than 100 cancer survivors who have overcome the disease and returned to normal life, celebrating their confidence, courage and inspiring journeys.
The event was jointly organized by the Nepal Cancer Support Group and Healing Hands for Treatment, in collaboration with Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center and Janamaitri Hospital.
Held at Majestic Grand in Ekantakuna, Lalitpur, the ramp walk featured over 100 cancer survivors confidently walking the runway, sending a powerful message that cancer is not the end of life and that a new beginning is possible after treatment, organizers said.
Member of the House of Representatives Dr. Toshima Karki and Maiti Nepal founder Anuradha Koirala attended the program. The event also saw the presence of distinguished personalities from various fields, doctors, health professionals, cancer survivors and their family members.
Sworupa Shrestha, conceptualizer of the event, vice-chairperson of the Nepal Cancer Support Group and chairperson of Healing Hands for Treatment, recalled that the first cancer survivor ramp show was organized in 2019. She said the objective of the program is to strengthen the morale of cancer patients, encourage a positive attitude toward treatment and help eliminate fear, misconceptions and discrimination associated with cancer.
She expressed confidence that such events provide cancer survivors with an opportunity to openly share their experiences while also inspiring hope among patients currently undergoing treatment.
Sashank Sharma, vice-chairperson of the Nepal Cancer Support Group, said many cancer survivors are interested in participating in creative activities, and programs like this help them connect more closely with society and become mentally stronger. He emphasized that people who have defeated cancer should be accepted and respected by society.
Dr. Sudip Shrestha, executive chairman and senior medical oncologist at Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center, said such events are effective in changing the outdated perception that cancer is synonymous with death. He stressed that cancer can be cured if detected early and treated properly.
He described the participating cancer survivors as sources of inspiration for society and said the program conveys the message that people can continue to live a quality, active and dignified life even after treatment. Dr. Shrestha also urged the public not to delay screening and treatment, noting that international-standard cancer care services are now available in Nepal.
