Kasturba Medical College and Hospital Illuminates Fountains Gold to Raise Childhood Cancer Awareness
Manipal, Sept 14, 2024: The Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, in collaboration with AccessLife Assistance Foundation, held an awareness event on childhood cancer.
As part of International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the hospital illuminated its fountains in gold on September 14 to highlight the curability of childhood cancers if detected early and treated by the right medical team.
Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Professor and Head of the Division, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis. “Around 78,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year in India. Unfortunately, lower cure rates in our country are often due to delayed diagnosis, stigma, lack of resources, and associated infections,” he said.
The event saw participation from healthcare workers, students, volunteers, and children undergoing cancer treatment, along with their caregivers, showing solidarity for the cause. Prior to the event, fun activities were organized for the children at the Manipal Institute of Communication, followed by an awareness skit and entertainment program performed by the KMC Cultural Committee.