Lucknow: A significant number of children diagnosed with cancer in India are unable to recover simply because they do not receive timely treatment, experts said at the Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month (Gold September) event held at Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute (KSSSCI), Lucknow. The programme was organised under the ongoing health fortnight with the aim of raising awareness among both the public and healthcare professionals about childhood cancers.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. M.L.B. Bhatt, Director, KSSSCI, said that over 50,000 new childhood cancer cases are reported annually in India, with nearly 20 percent from Uttar Pradesh. Unfortunately, due to lack of awareness, fewer than half of the affected children receive treatment. He highlighted common childhood cancers such as lymphoma, blood cancer, brain, bone, eye, and liver cancers. Three young survivors were also invited to share their inspirational stories.
Dr. Geetika Pant, Head of Pediatric Oncology, explained that the most common form is leukemia, marked by prolonged fever, frequent transfusions, fatigue, and pain. Brain cancers rank second, showing symptoms like severe headaches, vomiting, blurred vision, and hearing loss. Lymphomas, the third most common, manifest as swollen lymph nodes, fever, and weight loss. She stressed that the institute is successfully treating all types of pediatric cancers.
Dr. Priyanka Chauhan, Senior Hematologist and BMT Specialist, underlined the importance of bone marrow transplants (BMT), noting that even resistant cancers can be cured with timely intervention. She added that Uttar Pradesh records over 14,000 pediatric cancer cases annually, but only 30 percent reach hospitals, and just 20 percent complete their treatment.
Dr. Rakhi Jain, Associate Professor, Pediatric Oncology, discussed the journey of cancer survivors and the hormonal challenges they face after recovery, emphasizing that early diagnosis makes treatment much easier.
A poster competition was also held during the event, with Nandita winning the first prize, followed by Kamini Vohra and Kamini Devi.
The programme concluded with Dr. Ayush Lohia, Head of Public Health, thanking all stakeholders and calling for greater public awareness to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancers.
