Media Release

Daijiworld Media Networks - Udupi

Manipal, Sept 24: Kasturba Medical College and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal along with AccessLife Assistance Foundation held a candlelight walk to raise awareness on childhood cancer on September 24.

Childhood cancers are extremely curable if detected early and treated at 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 Access Life Assistance Foundation arranged a candle light walk to raise awareness amongst general public about childhood cancers.

Dr Vasudeva Bhat K, associate professor and incharge head of the division addressed the event and said, "Approximately 78,000 children are diagnosed with cancer every year in India and the lower cure rates in our country is mainly due to delayed referrals, stigma attached with cancer and associated infections."

Dr Sharath Kumar Rao, dean of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal released the brochure on childhood cancer awareness. He said,"The hospital premise is lightened up in gold because gold symbolises a precious metal, and is therefore the perfect colour to reflect the most precious thing in our lives – our children."

Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal said in his talk, "The hospital will ensure holistic care to these children to enable them to complete the therapy without any interruptions."

The walk was from main entrance of Kasturba Medical College, tiger circle to AccessLife MAHE, Manipal centre. 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 sign of support for the cause. Dr Archana M V, assistant professor from the department was the master of ceremony for the event.