Kasturba Medical College and Hospital organizes candlelight walk as part of childhood cancer awareness month
Manipal, Sept 25, 2022: Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal along with AccessLife assistance Foundation went Gold for childhood cancer on September 24, 2022.
Childhood cancers are extremely curable if detected early and treated in right place by the right team. September being the month for childhood cancer awareness, the division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal along with AccessLife Assistance Foundation arranged a candlelight walk.
The program was held to raise awareness amongst the general public about childhood cancers.
Dr. Vasudeva Bhat K, Associate Professor and Incharge head of the division addressed the event and said that approximately 78,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in India.
“The lower cure rates in the country is mainly due to delayed referrals, stigma attached with cancer and associated infections,” he said.
Dr. Sharath Kumar Rao, dean of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal released the brochure on childhood cancer awareness.
“The hospital premise is lightened up in Gold because gold symbolizes a precious metal, and is, therefore, the perfect color to reflect the most precious thing in our lives – our children,” he said.
Dr. Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal said that the hospital will ensure holistic care to these children to enable them to complete the therapy without any interruptions.
The walk was from the main entrance of Kasturba Medical College, tiger circle to AccessLife MAHE, Manipal center.
The event witnessed health care workers of the hospital and volunteers in large numbers walking along with children with cancer and their caregivers to show signs of support for the cause. Dr. Archana M V, Assistant Professor from the department was the master of ceremony for the event.
