Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 16: Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Attavar along with KMC Hospital Mangaluru observed International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) on February 15 at Sanjeevani Hall at KMC Attavar. The theme for this year is ‘Better Survival’ is achievable #throughtheirhands.

Vasudev Kamath, vice president – Development Centre Head, Infosys Mangaluru and Dr Devdas Kapikad, the renowned Tulu films and Theatre personality were the chief guests for the event. Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean of Kasturba Medical College Mangaluru and Saghir Siddiqui, COO of KMC Hospital Mangaluru and Goa, and Dr John Ramapuram, medical superintendent of KMC Attavar were the guests of honour.

Dr Harsha Prasada, chief of Paediatric Haemato Oncology (Child Cancer) division in his speech said, “In the last 9 years, we have diagnosed 625 children with cancer and out of which 500 children received treatment in both KMC Hospital Attavar and KMC Hospital Mangalore. We have treated 175 children who were detected with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, the most common cancer in children. The 3-year survival rates which we have published is one of the best in India which is 85%."

Kind hearted donors were recognised and honoured by the dignitaries for their donations made for the treatment of cancer children.

Childhood cancers constitute 3–4% of all cancers. Every year, nearly 300,000 children are diagnosed with cancer, with India accounting for 76,800 (26%). Most of them are blood cancers, followed by brain tumors and abdominal tumors. Nearly 70–90% of childhood cancers are curable because of the better response to treatment.

Dr Harsha Prasada welcomed the gathering and Dr Suchetha Rao, head of department of paediatrics delivered the vote of thanks. The management also organised fun games and entertainment for the children who are cancer survivors and their parents.