Media Release
Udupi, Feb 17: Childhood cancer's are highly curable provided they are treated at the right time with right treatment by the right team. International childhood cancer day is observed (ICCD) every year on February 15 globally to raise awareness about childhood cancer's and to express support to these children with their caregivers and cancer survivors. This is the third year of our three-year campaign for ICCD (2021-2023) under the theme of ‘Better Survival’ is achievable #throughyourhands.
Dr Padmaraj Hegde, dean KMC, Manipal welcomed everyone for the event and said, “KMC, Manipal strives towards –No child with cancer goes away without any treatment." Dr Harish Varma T, assistant professor in the division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, in his overview said, “A lot of stakeholders have to join hands towards achieving maximal cure rates in children with cancer in holistic approach."
Dr K V Ganapathy, CEO of Jeet association for support to Cancer Patients (JASCAP) was the chief guest for the programme and released an information booklet on childhood blood cancers and added, “Detailed information of the disease should be given to the caregivers in the language best understood by them."
Dr Raj Warrier, former vice chancellor of MAHE was the guest of honor. In his address he said, “Tremendous improvement in survival in childhood cancers have happened over the last few decades and that supportive care is the most important component of treatment."
Dr Anand Venugopal, COO of teaching hospitals, MAHE Manipal, Dr Krishnananda Prabhu, associate dean, KMC were present. Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent gave the vote of thanks.
Dr P Suba Sooria, head Nursing Services, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal handed over the prizes to the competition winners. The formal function was followed by entertainment programme for children and their caregivers.
Dr Archana M V, assistant professor and Dr Vasudeva Bhat, incharge head of division of pediatric hematology and oncology introduced the chief and guest of honour respectively. Vanishree, MSW in pediatric hematology and oncology was the master of ceremony for the programme.