‘Paediatricians vital in identifying early signs of childhood cancer’
Childhood cancer can be cured if awareness is generated among general physicians and paediatricians to spot red flags early, said Dr Gauri Kapoor, the organising chairperson of RGCON 2023 — the annual conference of Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), Delhi — held recently.
Paediatricians and general physicians took part in a session about early detection of cancer. “Childhood cancer is surely curable if diagnosed early and treated at specialised childhood cancer care centres,” added Dr Kapoor, director, Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and BMT, RGCI.
Chief guest Dr Vaskar Saha, senior consultant in Paediatric Oncology, Tata Medical Center Kolkata, asked all participants to take up the challenge of bringing India at the forefront of providing care for children with cancer. To that effect, he said collaboration of all stakeholders is a must.
“Addressing mental health issues in childhood cancer cases is as important as advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic spaces, since isolation and stress of the pandemic has taken a toll on their mental health,” said DS Negi, CEO, RGCI.
It is tragic to lose a large number of children to cancer. “Our experience at RGCIRC shows that with contemporary treatment, we can expect 8090% to survive,” said Rakesh Chopra, chairman, RGCI.
Dr Sudhir Rawal, medical director, RGCI, said that apart from being a hospital, RGCI has evolved as a private academic institute and is well acclaimed for its academic work and basic research.
Paediatric oncology is at the cusp of transformational change in India. “We have our very own Indian Paediatric Oncology Group, the INPHOG, wherein we hope to fund clinical trials and address issues relevant to our country,” added Dr Kapoor.
Disclaimer: The veracity of any health claim made in the above article is the responsibility of the concerned doctor/hospital