Fortis Gurugram alongwith Indian Academy of Pediatrics and Indian Medical Association, Haryana Raise Awareness on Early Detection & Timely Treatment of Pediatric Cancers

Fortis Gurugram alongwith Indian Academy of Pediatrics and Indian Medical Association, Haryana Raise Awareness on Early Detection & Timely Treatment of Pediatric Cancers

-International Childhood Cancer Day is on 15th February

Gurugram, 15th February 2025: On the occasion of Childhood Cancer Day, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, alongwith Indian Academy of Paediatrics and the Indian Medical Association (Haryana), today organized a media briefing aimed at raising awareness about the early detection and timely treatment of pediatric cancers. During the event, a poster highlighting the ‘10 early signs of childhood cancer’ was unveiled, providing valuable information to help identify early symptoms and improve outcomes. The unveiling of the poster took place in the presence of Dr Vikas Dua, Principal Director and Head of Paediatric Haematology, Haemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Dr Ajay Arora, President, IMA, Gurugram, Dr Mahaveer Jain, President, IMA, Haryana, Dr Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director & Chief, BMT, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Dr Arun Danewa, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Hemato-oncology and BMT, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Dr Sohini Chakraborty, Senior Consultant, Pediatric Hematooncology and BMT, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Dr Swati Bhayana, Consultant, Pediatric Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Dr Sunisha Arora, Consultant, Pediatric Oncology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Mr Yash Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, Dr Neelam Mohan, National President-Elect, IAP, Dr Raj Mehta, Secretary, IAP, Haryana, Dr Anil Malik, President, IAP, Palwal and Dr Sumit, Secretary, IAP, Gurugram.

Speaking at the press conference, Dr Vikas Dua, Principal Director and Head of Paediatric Haematology, Haemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “Pediatric cancer is a significant global health challenge, with India reporting approximately 50,000 cases annually. Early detection, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment are hence critical to improving survival rates among children with cancer. The first step towards early detection and diagnosis needs to be taken by the family and primary care physician. If a child exhibits prolonged persistent fever, paleness of skin, lethargy, unexplained bleeding (e.g., in urine), easy bruising, or a rash of small red spots, parents should seek immediate medical attention. The delay in diagnosis is a significant challenge in India, where many potentially curable cancers are missed at the early state. The primary care physicians also need to be sensitized to the early signs and symptoms of cancer in children.”

Dr Neelam Mohan, National President-Elect, IAP said, “Cancer is the second leading cause of death in children above the age of one. Cancer Symptoms in Children can be vague and similar to childhood illness. Despite advances in the field of pediatric oncology, cancer remains a leading cause of death in children. Diagnosis of childhood cancer as early as possible is crucial to reduce mortality. in this mission so that no child suffers due to delays in treatment. Cure is possible for more than 80% of children with cancer who receive timely treatment”

Dr Mahaveer Jain, President, IMA, Haryana and Dr Ajay Arora, President, IMA, Gurugram said, “Childhood should be a time for kids to enjoy life, not a period spent fighting a challenging battle. By spreading awareness and training medical professionals, we can give children with cancer a better chance of survival. Let’s work together to make early diagnosis a reality in Haryana and beyond, ensuring that no child suffers due to delays in diagnosis. The most common types of childhood cancer include leukemia, brain tumours, lymphomas and solid tumours such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumour. Risk factors for childhood cancer vary but often include family history, exposure to radiation or certain genetic conditions.”