The Colours of Cancer...How Cancer Patients relate their fight with colours of Rainbow

Life Beyond Rainbow

The Colours of Cancer

Fragrance does not have colour, nor does Faith.

Emotions does not have a colour, nor does Fights.

Although this sounds scientifically correct, but in the grand tapestry of human experience, colours play a profound role. From the vibrant hues of sunrise to the sombre shades of twilight, each colour evokes a unique sensation, stirring memories, and awaking sentiments deep within our souls. Imagine a canvas where every brushstroke tells a story of diagnosis, treatment, resilience, and hope. It's within this context that we embark on a journey through the Colours of Cancer, an exploration of the myriad emotions and experiences that define the patient's journey.

When we asked some of these patients to colour their fight against cancer, we were astonished to hear their views and responses.

As explained by Dr. Gautam Goyal, who is an eminent Medical Oncologist and Hematologist in Tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula and Zirakpur). Each shade represents a distinct phase of the journey, from the dawn of diagnosis to the embrace of survivorship. These colours not only helped them to fight well, but they also led them not to bow to the troubles caused by this disease. The colours help them to keep their morale up and waving.

The initial stages of a cancer diagnosis are often characterised by a whirlwind of emotions, both for the patient and their loved ones. As they step into the daunting realm of medical appointments, tests, and consultations, they are met with a potent mix of hope and uncertainty, much like the soft glow of a sun rising on the horizon — Yellow, the color of dawn.

Yet, amid the uncertainty, there is also a glimmer of hope—a beacon of light piercing through the darkness. It may be found in the reassuring words of a compassionate healthcare provider, the unwavering support of family and friends, or the promise of cutting-edge treatments on the horizon. This hope, though fragile, serves as a guiding star, leading patients and their families through the uncharted waters of diagnosis and beyond. The power of colour yellow was aptly described by a survivor - Yellow is the colour of inspiration, happiness and the sun (the power of source of life). It also symbolizes communication, self-esteem and power.

Even scientific research states that the hormone associated with happiness increases by yellow colour. These are the words by a Ms. Annu, a breast cancer conqueror herself. Another warrior, who had fought the colon cancer says that for him it would be White, as it symbolizes a beginning. Beginning of a new life, having a purity in once’s life, Faith in yourself. During the entire phase, trust was all that we could go for on doctors and indeed ourselves. All colours mix with it to create something new, same as our lives.

As patients progress through their cancer treatment journey, they inevitably encounter moments of healing—signs of progress, improvement, and hope that emerge like tender shoots breaking through the earth after a long winter. In the palette of cancer, these moments are painted in shades of Green, symbolizing growth, renewal, and the promise of a brighter future.

For patients, the journey of healing is not a solitary one, It is in the embrace of a friend, the comforting presence of a family member, or the encouraging words of a nurse, in which patients find strength and solace, knowing that they are not alone in their journey. As the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, the landscape of their lives begins to transform, much like the changing seasons. What was once barren and desolate now teems with life and possibility—a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit.

As patients transition from the rigors of cancer treatment to life beyond, they embark on a new chapter—one defined by the indelible mark of survivorship. In the spectrum of cancer colors, this phase is painted in hues of Lavender, symbolizing courage, wisdom, and the transformative power of overcoming adversity.

As rightly expressed by one of brave survivors - Ms Roop (An ovarian cancer fighter and winner) - As I closed my eyes during the turmoil of this treacherous disease, I envisioned myself walking towards the “lavender” fields. Lavender associates with the utmost devotion, Devotion to fight this disease and come out as a warrior.

Another young, 28 year warrior explains that since Lavender is a combination of red and blue, it gave me the energy I needed from the red and the calmness of blue throughout the process. Lavender has somehow shown its magic be it in the form of lavender colour trees in Chandigarh during spring that coincided with my last chemo session.

https://www.drgautamgoyal.com/post/cancer-survivor-stories-the-colours-of-hope

Dr. Kanika Sharma, who is specialist in Women centric cancers, describes this rainbow as a collection of vivid emotions experienced by the patients and family members during these times. These emotions not only touch the patient, but also the doctors and the staff taking care of these patients.

Dr. Maninder says - Being a doctor myself, it was initially difficult to accept that I had breast cancer. But, of all the colours of rainbow, Pink defines me. Pink is beautiful. Pink is love. That’s why God chose pink for me. I got diagnosed with Breast cancer in 2022 at 41 yeas. Cancer can change you and change can be beautiful. Beautiful from inside out. Now, I am a new person, more real, more confident, grateful to Almighty, trying to live in the present moment.

Another brave heart Mrs. Smita Khera expressed - Before my diagnosis of cancer, I might have taken my health for granted, not fully appreciating the vitality I possessed. However, post treatment, I have undergone a profound transformation. While facing society with my changed looks-perhaps hairless or with spots on my skin- I’ve developed a newfound confidence. This confidence doesn’t stem from physical appearance alone but from the resilience and strength I’ve found discovered within myself throughout the treatment journey.

Through this article, we traversed the spectrum of colours, with each shade representing a distinct phase of the cancer journey. We offer readers a fresh perspective - a visual and emotional narrative that resonates deeply with the lived experiences of patients and their loved ones. The colours serve as a universal language, transcending words to convey the highs and lows, triumphs and tribulations of the cancer experience.

Let me ask all of you a Question -

Given a chance to colour your fight against cancer or any other disease, which colour will you select ?

Dr. Gautam Goyal

Medical Oncologist and Hematologist

Max Hospital, Mohali, Punjab