THE destruction caused by COVID-19 has spared none. At a time when approaching hospitals seems risky especially for those with immunity issues and getting a doctor over the telephone, daunting, here's a refreshing ray of hope. One of the world’s largest cancer centres, Mumbai’s Tata Memorial, in collaboration with Cipla Palliative Care & Training Centre, Mumbai and Pune Municipal Corporations, has launched a first-of-its-kind toll-free helpline number for cancer patients in advanced stages of the disease.

Can-Helper (Cancer Helpline for Emotional Respite), the trilingual helpline offers expert counselling in English, Hindi and Marathi to address specific psychosocial needs of cancer patients and their caregivers. While cancer does take a toll on emotional health, it is estimated that one in three cancer patients require intervention to address emotional distress. These psychological problems, experts say, have become more acute due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of continuity of care, reduced social support and increased financial burden from loss of employment.