NE HEALTH BUREAU
CHENNAI, FEB 24
India does not have adequate awareness about the problem of cancer among children. The Centre’s own data shows that India’s young cancer patients between the ages of 0 and 14 have poor access to health care. Results of a survey published by the Indian Council of Medical Research in September 2022 shows that childhood cancers comprise four per cent of all reported cancers in the national cancer registry programme. As national health programmes and policies are focused on cancers in adults, the ICMR report suggested that specialised policy is developed to address childhood cancer.
- Apollo Hospitals, and volunteers from WCC, YRG Care, Guru Nanak College, RMK College and SIET College joined with CANKIDS KIDSCAN for this public awareness event
- For children who make it to childhood cancer treatment centers, the average country-wide survival rate is about 50%: Poonam Bagai, Founder Chairman of CANKIDS KIDSCAN, and herself a colon cancer survivor.
- Results of a survey published by the Indian Council of Medical Research in September 2022 shows that childhood cancers comprise four per cent of all reported cancers in the national cancer registry programme
On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), Chennai city’s premium mall Phoenix Marketcity conducted a community awareness event for the public at Palladium. Spreading the word regarding cancer awareness, the NGO CANKIDS KIDSCAN celebrated International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) this weekend to raise awareness among the general public in Chennai.
Aimed at bringing together families, survivors, and healthcare providers to offer support and share resources, noted Tamil actor Srikanth was the chief guest of the program providing inspiration, strength and hope among the children. Serial artist Srithika Saneesh in her campaign for the program highlighted the importance of honouring the parents and the healthcare team involved in the journey of childhood cancer. Apollo Hospitals, and volunteers from WCC, YRG Care, Guru Nanak College, RMK College and SIET College joined with CANKIDS KIDSCAN for this public awareness event to educate the public on the message of warmth, love, and hope through various cultural performances.
Expressing support for the event, Sabari Nair – Centre Director – Phoenix Marketcity commented “We are delighted to have been part of this journey of raising our voice and support for fighting cancer and encouraging cancer survivors with a strong hope to live the life they desire. I thank CANKIDS KIDSCAN foundation for this great initiative in engaging with the public. “
“In the last five years, we have been working with State Governments, hospital partners, and the Pediatric oncology community to understand the barriers to Access2Care for children with Cancer in India. For children who make it to childhood cancer treatment centers, the average country-wide survival rate is about 50%. Through detailed mapping in many States, and across 125 centers treating children with cancer, we estimate that not more than 34-40% of children are reaching a cancer center anywhere in the country. This is what makes survival rates in countries like ours, not more than 25-35%,” explained Poonam Bagai, Founder Chairman of CANKIDS KIDSCAN, and herself a colon cancer survivor.
The program overall focused on the message that there is much to be done for awareness, research, and treatment in the fight against all childhood cancers. This event brought the community together to raise their voices and envision the day all children and adolescents with cancer benefit from the best possible treatment, care, resources, and support. The spectators and the participants of the event wore gold ribbons showing their support towards our childhood cancer warriors.
