On the eve of Onam, as Kerala bursts into colour, one sight stands out above all else—not the intricate pookalams, the majestic vallam kali, or even the irresistible sadya. It is the remarkable diversity of the people gathered around the celebration. Hindus, Christians, Muslims, people from every region of India and far beyond, Malayalis and non-Malayalis alike, all sit together before the same banana leaf. Onam has long transcended religion to become a cultural celebration of unity, equality and shared humanity.
As an oncologist, I am reminded every day that cancer care embodies the spirit of Onam’s togetherness far more than it does a solo performance.
Many people imagine that treating cancer is the responsibility of one doctor. The reality is very different. Modern oncology is perhaps the finest example in medicine of diverse professionals working together, each bringing unique expertise while sharing a single purpose: helping the patient.
Imagine an Onam sadya. It is not a meal built around one spectacular dish. Its beauty lies in the harmony of more than twenty different preparations. Remove the sambar, and something is missing. Forget the avial, and the balance changes. Skip the payasam, and the feast feels incomplete. Every item contributes its own flavour while enhancing the whole.
Cancer care follows the same principle.
Radiologists map the disease before treatment and monitor its response. Nuclear medicine specialists reveal cancers invisible to conventional imaging. The surgical oncologist removes the tumour. The medical oncologist prescribes chemotherapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy. The radiation oncologist ensures that cancer cells left behind are destroyed with precision. But the feast is far from complete.
Pathologists identify the cancer under the microscope and increasingly decode its molecular fingerprint. Genetic counsellors identify inherited cancer risks that may affect entire families.
Then come the equally indispensable specialists who rarely make headlines.
Anaesthesiologists ensure patients undergo complex surgeries safely. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons restore form and function after cancer surgery. Physiotherapists help patients regain movement. Speech therapists enable survivors of head and neck cancer to speak and swallow again. Dietitians rebuild nutritional strength. Psycho-oncologists help patients confront fear, anxiety and depression. Oncology nurses become constant companions throughout treatment. Palliative care specialists relieve suffering, often becoming the most trusted members of the team.
Like the varied dishes on a banana leaf, each speciality has a distinct role. None can replace another. Yet together they create something extraordinary.
This collaborative spirit is beautifully reflected in the Onam story itself. King Mahabali's legendary kingdom is remembered as a place where prosperity was shared equally and every individual had dignity. Whether viewed as mythology, cultural memory or social ideal, Onam continues to represent inclusion and togetherness for people across communities.
The multidisciplinary tumour board in a cancer centre embodies the same philosophy. Around one table sit surgeons, physicians, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and other specialists. There is disagreement, discussion and debate. Yet every opinion exists for one reason—to find the best path forward for a single patient. Different expertise does not create confusion; it creates better decisions.
Patients often ask me, "Why do I need to meet so many doctors?" The answer is simple. Cancer is too complex for one perspective. No single specialist possesses every answer.
Perhaps the most powerful lesson comes from the Onam sadya itself. Everyone is served on the same banana leaf. There is no special leaf for the wealthy or the poor, the young or the old. The meal symbolises equality and shared humanity.
Cancer, too, reminds us of our common humanity. It ignores religion, language, caste, profession and social status. In response, health care professionals from vastly different disciplines come together. Their shared goal is not simply to treat disease but to preserve dignity, hope and quality of life.
This Onam, as families gather around overflowing banana leaves and welcome friends from every background into their homes, it is worth remembering another example of diversity taking place every day inside cancer hospitals. It unfolds not with flowers and feasts, but with scans, microscopes, operating theatres, infusion pumps and compassionate conversations.
Like Onam itself, the strength of oncology lies not in uniformity, but in unity. And just as every dish makes the sadya complete, every speciality makes cancer care whole.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
