Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Nov 17: The cases of cancer among children is rising in Karnataka. The shortage of oncologists is a cause of concern.
In 2022-23, 87000 new cases of cancer have been detected in children. It is mostly affecting children in the age group of 0 to 14 years. According to the cancer burden report that is released by Kidwai memorial institute of Oncology (KMIO) in September 2023, around 7-9% of children affected by all forms of cancer. In Bengaluru, the number is two percent.
Dr Arun Kumar, HOD of children’s department of KMIO said, “There is shortage of specialist oncologists to treat cancer in children. Earlier, the oncology cases of children were managed by medical or surgical oncologists because there were no super speciality doctors at that time. Now every year, super specialist doctors are getting ready in KMIO.
“Every day, four to five patients are treated in KMIO paediatric ward. Incidents of leukaemia, lymphoma, brain tumour, solid growth and soft bone tissue cancers are more among children,” he said.
Dr V Lokesh, director of KMIO, said, “If people take precautionary measures, around 50 percent of cancers can be reduced. Regular exercise, eating healthy food, consuming less or no alcohol and tobacco will reduce incidents of cancer considerably.”