Dr. Renowned oncologist and Padma Shri awardee AS Vijayalakshmi Deshmane was honored with the Akka Award at Shivamogga on Friday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, oncologist and Padma Shri awardee, said cancer is like any other disease and patients should not lose hope and said recent cancer research has helped many patients survive and recover.
Dr. Deshmane was speaking after receiving the Akka award given on the occasion of Akkamahadevi Jayanthi program organized by Akkana Balaga at Basava Kendra in Shivamogga on Friday. She said that when she started her career as a surgeon in the 1980s, cancer patients barely survived. She witnessed many patients die hours after surgery. Earlier breast cancer was treated as incurable.
“But things have improved in recent years thanks to research. Almost every patient goes home healthy after surgery. Breast cancer can be cured. Patients should not lose hope,” she said.
Recalling her childhood, Deshmane said that she was born in a poor family and due to the hard work and struggle of her parents, all her siblings were able to secure jobs and serve the society. “All my six sisters have secured doctorates. All because of the sacrifice of our parents. They were committed to providing education to the children,” she noted.
Basava Marulasidda Swamy of Basava Kendra highlighted Deshmane’s service in treating cancer patients. BJP MLC Dr. Dhananjay Sarji spoke about the life and achievements of Dr. Deshman. Akkana Balaga President Shashikala Chandrappa, Basava Kendra President DB Benakappa and others were present.
Published – 04 Apr 2026 21:01 IST
