Media Release

Udupi, Feb 15: International Childhood Cancer Day was celebrated on February 15 by the division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Kasturba Hospital Manipal.

The main purpose of the programme was to create awareness among the general public about childhood cancers. It is celebrated worldwide on February 15 every year. This year's theme 'Better Survival' is achievable #throughourhands, Dr Sharath K Rao, dean of KMC, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendents jointly inaugurated the programme with children with cancer. Dr Shubha Sooria, head of Nursing Services, Dr Naveen S Salins, coordinator of Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Center, and Dr Vasudeva Bhatt K, head of the division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology were also present.

In the inaugural address, Dr Sharat Rao said, "Nearly three lac children are diagnosed with cancer every year around the world. In India, the number is 40 to 45 thousand. If diagnosed and treated at the right time, child cancer can be cured completely. In western countries, the cure rate is 80 to 90%. In India, it is within 50% percent, due to delays in the diagnosis, myths in the people's minds, and a limited number of pediatric cancer care centers.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Avinash Shetty said, "The World Health Organization recognizes Pediatric Cancers as a major disease, and aims to increase cure rate 60 to 65% percent in low middle-income countries. Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care Center has a separate division for children with cancer with state of the art services.

Dr Shubha Sooria said, "The service of nurses is very important in cancer treatment, So I will assure that our nursing team will provide all the corners of cancer care.

Later, an entertainment programme was organized for the children taking treatment and who were completely cured.