Media Release

Udupi, Sep 14: Childhood cancers are extremely curable if detected early and treated at the right place by the right team. September being the month for childhood cancer awareness, the division of paediatric haematology and oncology, Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal organised an awareness walk on September 12 along with AccessLife Assistance Foundation to raise awareness amongst medical students and general public about childhood cancers.

Dr Vasudeva Bhat K, associate professor and in-charge head of the division addressed the event and said, "Approximately 78,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in India and the lower cure rates in our country is mainly due to delayed diagnosis, stigma attached with cancer and associated infections'.”

Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal flagged off for the walk and said, “The KMC Fountain is lightened up in gold because gold symbolizes a precious metal, and is, therefore, the perfect colour to reflect the most precious thing in our lives – our children.”

The walk was from Fountain of Kasturba Medical College to AccessLife MAHE, Manipal centre. The event witnessed healthcare workers of the hospital, student council and volunteers in large numbers walking along with children with cancer and their caregivers to show sign of support for the cause. Before the walk, games and fun activities were arranged for children undergoing cancer treatment.