Emphasising the need for awareness on cancer in children

Dr Anita Ramesh, Medical Oncologist, Founder, Freedom from Cancer, and Relief Research Foundation, in association with Dr Vikas Khetan, Senior Consultant, Department of Vitreoretina and Ocular Oncology, Sankar Netralaya, launched a movement to create better awareness on cancer in children, especially on the effects of Retinoblastoma, a common eye cancer. A painting and exhibition for cancer affected children was also organised. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Anita Ramesh said, “Today, after successful medical research on childhood cancer treatment, almost 80% of children with cancer survive. But in India, there are about 40-50,000 new childhood cancer cases every year. The child mortality due to cancer is around 70% and it is mainly because of lack of awareness, late detection, inadequate paediatric cancer treatment facilities, expensive treatment and lack of supportive care. It is about time that we spread the message and create awareness that childhood cancer is curable when detected in time and treated properly.” 

Speaking about Retinoblastoma, a common cancer in children, Dr Vikas Khetan said, “The diagnosis for most types of cancer is made with a biopsy, but Retinoblastoma can be diagnosed accurately without a biopsy by experienced physicians. Parents should not neglect it as just another eye defect.”