Mangaluru: The KMC Hospital Attavar, organised International Childhood Cancer Day, at the Sanjivini Hall, here on February 16.

Consultant Paediatric Haemato-Oncologist Dr Harsha Prasada L in his welcome speech said, “Cancer is like war and whoever has recovered from it are warriors. Whoever is cured they have won their battle against the disease and they are now involved in various activities leading a normal life. By organising such programmes, children who have fought against cancer and won can share their experience. To create awareness and avoid social stigma such programmes will be of great help. When children suffer from cancer, they undergo treatment and therapy during which there will be changes in their day-to-day life. Through such programmes children can have some good time. We also organising fundraising programmes because the treatment for cancer is very expensive and many families have lost their entire savings to treat their dear ones who suffer from cancer.”

The programme was inaugurated by the Runner Up India Manhunt International Alester D’Souza by pouring water to the sapling along with cancer survivors and other dignitaries.Addressing the gathering Alester urged the public to pledge against smoking in public and to reduce pollution to prevent childhood cancer. Instead of fighting cancer, it is better to prevent it. He was also advised the children to be positive and strong to win the war against cancer.

Speaking on the occasion Associate Dean KMC Attavar Dr B Unnikrishnan said, “The children who suffered from cancer are the warriors. 80% of childhood cancer is curable but unfortunately, in our country, only 20 to 30% of childhood cancer is curable because of lack of awareness. Why the survival rate is low in developing countries is because of the parents not aware of the symptoms and they do not take their children to the doctor when they have a fever or other infection .Today is an important day the world over to raise awareness about childhood cancer and treatment for children with cancer. The best quality affordable treatment is the basic human right for children and we need to give them their right since survival rate in childhood cancer is very high”.