On the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Howrah in association with Cankids and Make a Wish Foundation (MAW) organized an awareness programme on Childhood Cancer at their hospital campus.

The overall incidence of pediatric cancer is increasing day by day. Cancer in children constitutes approximately 5.5% of total cancer cases in India according to the Indian Council for Medical Research. This number has more than doubled from 2.5% in the last ten years. This is a disturbing reality and only around one in 10 of the childhood cancer cases receives complete therapy.

The programme was attended by Dr. Vivek Agarwala, Consultant Medical & Haemato-Oncology, NH Howrah; Dr. Chandrakant MV, Consultant Medical Oncology, NSH, Howrah; Dr. Sohini Chakraborty, Consultant Heamato Oncology, NSH, Howrah along with Mr. Subhasis Bhattacharya, Facility Director, NH Howrah.

The event also witnessed a key note session on various cardiac issues in children, followed by a sit and draw competition with Pediatric patients at the hospital premises, who have undergone treatment at the hospital and the best picture was awarded.

As progress is made in reducing infection-related childhood deaths, it is important to care for cancer-affected children who have increasing likelihood of cure with appropriate treatment.