Apollo Athenaa Introduces "Holding Hope" Handbook
On June 16, 2026, Apollo Athenaa – the women‑focused cancer centre that operates as a unit of Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Ltd – announced the launch of Holding Hope: A Handbook for Cancer Caregivers, described as India’s first dedicated resource for individuals caring for cancer patients. The launch coincided with National Cancer Survivors Month and was disseminated through a PRNewswire release.
The handbook was authored by Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, Principal Lead – Medical and Precision Oncology at Apollo Athenaa, together with Dr. Hussain Shaik, Associate Consultant – Medical Oncology at the same centre. It is positioned as a practical companion that offers actionable guidance on managing treatment journeys, navigating difficult conversations, supporting emotional well‑being, understanding medical decisions, and prioritising self‑care for caregivers.
In the release, Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa emphasized that more than 15 lakh new cancer cases were reported in India in 2024, underscoring the growing number of families confronting cancer care complexities. She noted that 95 % of Indian cancer patients have at least one primary caregiver; 57 % are supported by three to four caregivers, and 23 % rely on five to seven individuals, highlighting a substantial caregiver population that currently lacks structured guidance.
A caregiver testimonial from Mr. Sudesh, who has supported his wife through her cancer journey, illustrated the real‑world challenges faced by caregivers and praised the handbook for its practical advice on treatment management, medical decision‑making, emotional support, and self‑care. Dr. Hussain Shaik added that caregivers often act as the bridge between patients and healthcare teams but frequently navigate complex medical decisions and emotional stress without formal guidance.
The publication combines evidence‑based medical information with caregiving strategies and real‑life experiences, and it explicitly addresses the often‑overlooked need for caregivers to look after their own physical and emotional health. Apollo Athenaa presented the handbook as part of its broader vision to advance patient‑centred and family‑centred cancer care, aiming to strengthen support systems that contribute to improved patient outcomes, quality of life, and long‑term survivorship.
About Apollo Athenaa
Apollo Athenaa is described as Asia’s first comprehensive cancer centre dedicated exclusively to women. It offers a continuum of services that includes preventive screenings, advanced diagnostics, surgical oncology, breast oncoplasty, fertility preservation, reconstructive care, nutrition, physiotherapy, onco‑psychology, and palliative care. The centre’s mission is framed around empathy, scientific rigor, and the belief that women’s health is central to the nation’s strength.