Lucknow: India continues to face an alarming burden of childhood cancer, with more than 50,000 children diagnosed each year. Despite medical advancements, timely detection and adherence to treatment protocols remain major hurdles. Addressing this pressing concern, Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow, in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (Lucknow Chapter), conducted a one-day national training workshop on Practical Pediatric Oncology at the B2 Auditorium today.
Over 200 pediatricians and medical professionals from various districts of Uttar Pradesh participated in the intensive session.
The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) Sonia Nityanand, Vice-Chancellor of King George’s Medical University (KGMU), stressed the importance of early detection and standardised treatment. “Most childhood cancers are curable if diagnosed on time and treated as per established guidelines. Equipping pediatricians with hands-on training is a critical step in the right direction,” she said.
Dr. Mayank Somani, CEO, Apollo Hospitals, Lucknow, inaugurated the event and reaffirmed Apollo’s commitment to pediatric oncology. “No child should lose their life due to delayed diagnosis or lack of treatment. Through such training initiatives, we aim to empower doctors with the latest techniques, diagnostic methods, and treatment options to ensure better care for children battling cancer,” he stated.
The workshop covered a range of topics, including an overview of common childhood cancers, lymphadenopathy evaluation protocols, emergency care prior to referral, in-depth insights into leukemia and solid tumors, and management of oncological emergencies.
In addition to theoretical knowledge, the workshop addressed crucial practical aspects such as recognizing early symptoms of cancer in children, family counseling, challenges in prolonged treatments, the role of bone marrow transplants, and proper referral practices. Participants also engaged in a hands-on session on blood product management and toured the hospital’s blood bank.
This initiative is part of the National Training Project – Practical Pediatric Oncology (NTP-PPO), which aims to enhance ground-level medical capabilities in managing childhood cancer, ultimately saving lives through better awareness, training, and early intervention.
