Fortis Gurugram, IAP, and IMA Haryana Come Together to Spread Awareness on Pediatric Cancer
Gurugram: Fortis Memorial Research Institute (FMRI), Gurugram, came together with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) and the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Haryana, to organize a media briefing on International Childhood Cancer Day to spread awareness on early detection and timely treatment of pediatric cancers. The event saw the unveiling of a poster outlining the '10 Early Signs of Childhood Cancer,' with a view to initiating awareness among parents and healthcare professionals about early warning signs to increase survival rates.
Dr. Vikas Dua, Principal Director and Head of Pediatric Hematology, Hemato-Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant at FMRI, in his speech on the event, emphasized the role of early diagnosis to improve outcomes. He further said, "India has close to 50,000 new cancer cases in children annually. Early detection, correct diagnosis, and timely treatment are the key to better survival rates. A persistent fever, pallor of skin, lethargy, unexplained bleeding or easy bruising should prompt immediate medical referral. Family physicians play an important role in noticing these early warning signs."
Dr. Neelam Mohan, National President-Elect of IAP, stated, "Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children above the age of one. Detection at an early stage will go a long way in reducing mortality to a large degree as over 80% of cancer in children can be cured if the treatment is taken in time. Awareness, alertness, and action on time can save lives."
Dr. Mahaveer Jain, President, IMA Haryana, and Dr. Ajay Arora, President, IMA Gurugram, emphasized community involvement. "Childhood is meant to be a period of happiness, not fighting diseases. By creating awareness and providing the correct information to medical professionals, we can enhance survival rates and avoid diagnostic delays," they said.
The seminar reinforced that leukemia, brain tumor, lymphoma, and solid tumors like neuroblastoma and Wilms tumor are the majority of cancers found in children. Genetic predisposition and radiation exposure are risk factors.
The collaboration aims to achieve timely diagnosis and treatment, thus increasing the potential for children with cancer to enjoy a healthy life.
