Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai

Chennai, May 12: On the occasion of World Retinoblastoma Awareness Day, Sankara Nethralaya conducted a special programme to raise awareness about retinoblastoma a rare yet treatable eye cancer affecting young children. The event also honoured survivors of the disease, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.

Retinoblastoma primarily targets children below the age of three and can be detected through a simple check for white or asymmetrical eye reflexes in photographs, experts noted. A delay in diagnosis can result in the cancer spreading to the brain, often with fatal consequences.

Dr Suganeswari Ganesan, head of Ocular Oncology at Sankara Nethralaya, said the disease is witnessing a rising trend not only in India but also in neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Oman. In 2024 alone, the hospital treated 176 children diagnosed with the condition.

"Timely diagnosis can save not just lives but also the child's eye and vision," she stressed. Parents were urged to ensure routine eye checkups for children right from birth, then at six months and one year.

The awareness drive was inaugurated by popular artist and comedian Bosskey. Also present were Chairman T S Surendran, medical director Girish Rao, and Dr Suganeswari. The team reinforced the message that vigilance and early screening are critical in defeating this potentially life-threatening disease.