Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (MD)
Mangaluru, Dec 12: The inaugural ceremony of National conference 2014 on Paediatric Oncology was held on Friday December 12 at FMMC Decennial Hall.
The conference was inaugurated by chief guest Dr M S Vidyasagar Professor of Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology KMC, Manipal. He also unveiled the theme of the conference "Giving-Hope, Help, Life" on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Dr M S Vidyasagar said "Paediatric Oncology is one of the most interesting topics that I have learnt in the past 30 years. In early days, there was no proper treatment for child cancer, but with latest technology treating child cancer has become easy and can be cured. Presently, the treatment is simple, costs just few hundreds, no side effects, radiation is not required, and better results".
"With quality of care, we can cure the cancer. We are seeing lot of cancer survivals," he added.
Fr Patrick Rodrigues, director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, said that the cancer is the terrible part of life. "In developed countries the chances of cancer survival is 70% more. But in India the survival chance is less than 50%. This is the sad thing for all of us. We need better physicians and researchers here in India to find a better solution and cure for child cancer. We need to provide a supportive environment, so that children can live long and live a productive life. We need to create an interactive community. We need to give psychological support to them".
"We have to create a vibrant and interactive communication with them. Parents desire to give everything they can to their kids. We have to gather all of them and provide all the things. The cancer patients should continue their treatments and they should not stop in the middle. It is a long process and it will take time to cure completely", he added.
Dr Dinesh Shet associate professor, department of medical Oncology-FMMC said, "Studies have shown that chemo and radiation therapies may damage brain white matter and disrupt brain activity. Researchers have been working to find a better cure for Paediatric Oncology".
Sr Winnifred D'Souza principal of Father Muller College of Nursing and organizing chairperson welcomed the guests. Seema Chavan proposed the vote of thanks. Jasmine Noronha and Fiona Carol Vas compered the ceremony.