International Childhood Cancer Day Celebrations
15 February 2021
Organized by SSPHPGTI, Noida

Report

The Super Specialty Paediatric Hospital and Postgraduate Teaching Institute, Noida organised a medical awareness program on childhood cancer awareness in association with International Childhood Cancer Day on 15 February 2021. The meeting was organised in association with NAMS, Delhi in the auditorium of SSPHPGTI, Noida. The program was attended by faculty, nurses and other staff from SSPHPGTI along with invited members from NGOs supporting childhood cancer. Ms Jasmine Kaur, clinical dietician at SSPHPGTI compered the meeting and welcomed all the dignitaries and attendees.

The welcome address was delivered by Prof DK Gupta, Director, SSPHPGTI. Dr Gupta welcomes the delegates and spoke on the importance of recognizing that childhood cancer is not rare. The success of any cancer treatment depends on early and correct diagnosis and treatment. In this context, any attempt to improve cancer diagnosis should be encouraged as with appropriate treatment, a majority of children survive the disease and continue to lead normal lives. Dr Jyotsna Madan, Professor of Pathology and Dean, SSPHPGTI welcomed the chief guest and spoke on the importance of diagnosing cancer in children and the role of quality control in diagnosis.

Dr Shalini Singh, Director, National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, Noida was the chief guest of the meeting. She spoke on NICPR’s efforts on prevention and early diagnosis of oral and cervical cancer and the importance of registries in promoting cancer awareness.

Prof DK Singh, Professor of Paediatrics and CMS, SSPHPGTI, spoke on the myths surrounding cancer such as it is incurable, it leaves permanent damage and that it is very expensive to treat. He spoke on the importance of dissemination of correct knowledge surrounding cancer, so that people are motivated to treat, if faced with a diagnosis.

Dr Nita Radhakrishnan, Asso. Professor in Department of Paediatric Hematology-Oncology, SSPHPGTI, Noida spoke on how to diagnose cancer early. Early warning signs such as prolonged fever, weight loss, lymphadenopathy, abdominal mass, white reflex in the eye, headache and vomiting, bony swelling and pain could all point towards a diagnoses of cancer. She spoke on the digital campaign launched with Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Uttar Pradesh to encourage paediatricians to consider cancer as a diagnoses if faced with these symptoms in their patients.

Dr Akash Raj, Medical Superintendent, SSPHPGTI, Noida spoke on the government aid available through various schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi and relief funds from Prime Minister and Chief Minister for these children. He also discussed the funding received at the institute in the last 3 years for childhood cancer.

Dr Sandhya Gupta, Secretary of Academy of Paediatrics, Noida spoke on how private practitioners can join hands with government in this regard. Following this, 3 childhood cancer survivors and their families shared their experience. The institute felicitated them and members of NGOs supporting cancer treatment and acting as a bridge till government funding is available.

Dr Savitri Singh, Additional Professor, Department of Pathology, SSPHPGTI, Noida concluded the meeting by highlighting the remarks of each of the speakers and sharing her experience. The meeting was attended by around 50 delegates keeping all COVID-19 precautions in place.