In conjunction with the hematology department of NRS Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, CanKidsKidsCan, The National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India (www.cankidsindia.org), arranged a survivor meet in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. On this day, West Bengal’s Passport2Life Survivorship Services were also introduced.

Through clinics, conferences, and workshops, the Passport2Life initiative aims to raise awareness among survivors regarding late side effects, health implications, and long-term consequences of their treatment. The program establishes a community portal for support and reintegration back into society, as well as an online and offline passport for survivors to manage their late effects and access their data.

In the state of WB, CanKids is collaborating with 14 facilities that treat cancer. They intend to have P2L services available for children receiving treatment at all of these hospitals, similar to how NRS was an early adopter. Many survivors who undergo therapy outside of the state go back to finish their education, enroll in college, and eventually find employment. This service, which is a component of the Passport2Life initiative, will offer both in-person and online services to ensure a seamless transition from treatment to survivorship. It will include medical follow-up, psychosocial care, and life skills training.”

The audience was inspired by the inspiring journeys of childhood cancer survivors from CanKids, which underscored the necessity of a comprehensive approach that extends beyond medical treatment. The survivors engaged in cultural activities.

It was followed by a talk  on ‘Childhood Cancer In West Bengal (Issues & Concerns)’ by Prof. (Dr.) Tuphan Kanti Dolai HOD, Hematology Department, an overview of ‘Passport2Life’ by Prof. (Dr.) Rajib De and a discussion on ‘Medical and Psychological Aspects of Childhood Cancer Survivors’ by CanKids psychologists.

A vote of gratitude was held after the Nukkad Natak/Street Play on Childhood Cancer Survivorship, which brought the event to a close.

Approximately three hundred survivors and their parents attended the event.

Priyanka Dutta