Media release

Mangaluru, Feb 16: Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Attavar observed International Childhood Cancer day on Tuesday at its Sanjeevini Hall.

Dr Kishore Kumar, District Health Officer of Dakshina Kannada District was the chief guest. Kudroli Ganesh, renowned magician, dean of Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru D. B Unnikrishnan and medical superintendent Dr John Ramapuram were the guests of honour.

Dr Harsha Prasada, chief of Paediatric Haemato Oncology (Child Cancer) division in his introductory speech said, “Every year, International Childhood Cancer Day is observed to raise awareness about child cancer and to support the children and their families who suffer from this. We have been celebrating International Childhood Cancer Day for the past 8 years at our hospital.

In these years, we have detected 542 children with cancer and out of them 402 children received the treatment. In India, approximately 50,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually. However, the sad fact is that only 1 child out of 10 receives complete treatment.

As a result, the rate of cure for common childhood cancers, such as lymphoma and leukaemia, is 80 percent in developed countries whereas it is less than 30 percent in India. However, by organizing such awareness programmes we can encourage parents to take their children for the treatment.”

Dr Kishore Kumar, district health officer, Dakshina Kannada district, inaugurated the programme and in his inaugural speech said, “There is little fear and confusion about the treatment for cancer among the people. But nowadays medical science is so advanced that there is a cure for all kinds of diseases. But at the right time, with the right team of experts in the right place, the disease can be cured with the right treatment. The curing rate for children with cancer is about 75 percent, but it is possible if appropriately treated. Instead of fearing cancer, it should be treated quickly.”

He also praised KMC Hospital Attavar for organizing such awareness programmes and the tremendous work done in the field of cancer treatment.
Magician Kudroli Ganesh, in his speech, said,” Sometimes even with the healthiest habits, we cannot stop ourselves from getting sick. We must create faith among people that cancer is curable by conducting such awareness programmes where the patient or the patient caretaker shares their stories of successful cure with the public.”

He also recalled the moments in KMC Hospital Attavar when his father was admitted to receive the treatment and commended the doctors and nurses who took care of him 20 years ago. He also shared that he used to entertain other patients in the hospital and he related that there is evidence that patients when given some entertainment therapy, heal faster. Ganesh entertained the children and their parents for more than an hour with his magic tricks on the occasion.

Dean of Kasturba Medical College Dr B Unnikrishnan said, “I am delighted to be a part of this programme. KMC Hospital Attavar provides the best treatment for child cancer. It has the best team of doctors and nurses.”

He also stressed on the importance of support from the society and the role of parents in getting their children treated for such diseases. He also lauded and thanked newly wedded couple Saiheel Rai and Sushmita Shetty, who on this occasion, had donated Rs 25,000 for the treatment of child cancer patients.
Dr Unnikrishnan said that this noble deed by the young couple should be an inspiration to many youngsters on how the society can contribute to fighting this disease.

Vasudeva Bhat, father of Master Vivek Bhat shared his views on his son's treatment as well as the care that parents should take during their children's treatment and hailed the doctors and nursing staff who treated their son.
On this occasion, Master Vivek Bhat presented a sketch of Kudroli Ganesh drawn by him to the magician.

The donors were recognised and honoured by the dignitaries for the donations made towards the treatment of cancer children.
Dr Harsha Prasada, chief of Child Cancer division welcomed the gathering and Dr Nutan Kamath, Professor of Paediatrics and senior child specialist proposed a vote of thanks. Dr Keerthi and Dr Anurag compered the programme.