Panaji: Manipal Hospital, Goa, in association with the IMA State Branch and Lions Club International, District 317B, observes International Childhood Cancer Day 2024
Goa, 16th February 2024: Manipal Hospital (MH), Goa, in association with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Goa State Branch, and Lions Club International, District 317B commemorated International Childhood Cancer Day. The event’s objective was to raise awareness about childhood and adolescent cancer while offering support to those currently battling or who have overcome the illness.
As per the latest findings from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), childhood cancer cases among the 0–14 age group constituted 4.0% of all cancer diagnoses in India. In response to these statistics, Manipal Hospital is stepping up its efforts to intensify the battle against childhood cancer.
Lion Rajesh Karapurkar, President, Lions Club of Bicholim, District 317B, the Chief Guest for the event said, “Manipal Hospital, Goa, is taking a big step forward in raising awareness about paediatric cancer. I feel honoured to participate in the event and gain valuable insights into the progress of paediatric cancer treatment. I hope Manipal Hospital succeeds in transforming Goa into a centre where all treatments are available under one roof !
Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director & Unit Head, Manipal Hospitals, Goa, said “I take immense pride in being associated with a healthcare institution that has completed 30 years of dedicated service to the people of Goa and is actively contributing to society. Collaborating with the IMA Goa State Branch and Lions Club International, District 317B to safeguard the welfare of our community is a tremendous honour. On this day, we reiterate ourselves to providing fair access to healthcare for all.”
Video testimonials were streamed featuring a person who survived paediatric cancer, followed by an interactive and engaging session on health by Dr Mahadeva Swamy, Consultant – Haemato Oncologist and Bone Marrow transplant physician at Manipal Hospital, Goa. He said, “International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day, which is observed on 15 February 2024, is a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about childhood cancer
and its difficulties. It also serves as a reminder of the need for better support for children, adolescents, and their families as they battle this devastating disease. One of the main challenges in battling childhood cancer is the lack of screening and early diagnosis.
This is due to many factors, including the lack of awareness among healthcare providers and the unavailability of specialized cancer centres in many parts of the world. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving outcomes in children with cancer. We as a team work together to get early diagnosis and treatment with curative intent for cancers like acute leukaemia in children using new tools immunotherapy and scope bone marrow transplants. Certain childhood cancers are Potentially curable with modern technologies and a child can lead a normal life like any other child.”
Besides, Lion Rajesh Karapurkar, the event was attended by the parents of paediatric cancer patients, Dr Ray Bhatt, Former Head of B 12 Research Unit Child Health, Imperial College School of Medicine, London, Shri. Surendra Prasad, Hospital Director and Unit Head, Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of the Oncology Department and Senior Consultant Onco Surgeon & District Chairman for Childhood Cancer & and the past president of Lions Club of Bicholim, Dr Mahadeva Swamy, Consultant – Haemato Oncologist and bone marrow transplant physician, Dr. Sredharan M, Consultant – Surgical Oncology, Dr Aditya Goswami – Medical Superintendent, and Shri Hari Prasad – Sales and Marketing Head, Manipal Hospital Goa.
On this occasion, Dr. Sredharan M, Consultant – Onco-Surgery, and specialised in childhood cancer surgery , and Manipal Hospital, Goa, said, “Though cancer in children are uncommon and the overall case burden is small, the impact of a single childhood cancer case on the family is enormous. Increased awareness and numerous advancements have happened in the past decade. With proper treatment good outcomes and a long survival are often feasible.”
Dr shekhar salkar
