ALARMING: 1 in every 10,000 children in India is affected by Cancer

Ludhiana, November 16, 2012: Dayanand Medical College in collaboration with Arpita Cancer Society today organised “PHOCON-2012”- 16th Annual Pediatric Haematology Oncology Conference, under the aegis of PHO Chapter of Indian Academy of Pediatrics, in Ludhiana from November 16-18.

According to Organising Chairperson-Dr Daljit Singh, one in every 10,000 children in India is affected by cancer.

According to the statistics, the reported incidence of childhood cancer have increased in India over the last 25 years, he revealed. 

The conference is aimed at providing a good scientific programme by international and national faculty which will cover a wide range of topics of interest to paediatricians, haematologists, oncologists, postgraduates from pediatrics, medicine, pathology and to nurses and paramedical staff. 

Organizing Secretary- Dr Praveen C.Sobti informed that the topics for CME will include an update on diagnosing and managing common haematologic diseases seen by general pediatricians and postgraduates, with an ample opportunity to interact with experts in this field. An added attraction will be a debate on "Controversies in paediatric haematology-oncology" for DM or Fellows in this speciality, with attractive cash prizes and certificates of participation.

The highlights of the conference include excellent scientific sessions by distinguished international and national faculty, case-based discussions for paediatricians, post graduates,debate for post graduates on controversies in haematology oncologyworkshops for nurses on central line care,workshop by international faculty on endocrine abnormalities in Thalassemic patients.

On the first day, three workshops on “Growth & Endocrine Problems in Thalassemia”, “Flow Cytometry in Pediatrics”, “Central Lines & PICC Lines: Insertion and Maintenance” were conducted.

Dr Vincenzo De Sanctis from Italy spoke on the topics “I-CET aims & future perspectives”, “Effects of celation therapy on endocrine complications”, “Fertility in Males” and, “Hypoparatyroidism” in TM (Thalassemia Major)”.

Dr Mohamed El Kholy from Cairo elaborated on “Endocrine complications in TM” and Adrenal disorders in TM”.

Dr Nicos Skordis from London spoke on “Hypothyoidism” , “Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance” and “ Fertility in females” .

Others international speakers on the first day of the conference were Dr Heba Elsedfy from Dr Ashraf Tawfik Mohamed Soliman from Egypt who spoke on “Assessment and interpretation of densiometry and bone didease in TM” and “Puberty Disorders” respectively.

Dr Kavita Saggar, Dr Puneet Aulakh Pooni & Dr GS Brar from DMCH spoke on “MRI Assessment of Iron overload in endocrine glands”, “Central Lines:Setting up & Care” and “Long term Vascular Access”.Other speakers include Dr Neelam Verma, Dr Man Updesh Singh Sachdeva, Dr Amita Trehan and Dr S Radhika from PGIMER, Chandigarh.

It may be mentioned here that Arpita Cancer Society for children is registered under section 2 of the societies Registration Act 1860. The members of the society have came together to be able to save life of poor child suffering from cancer, informed President Rama Munjal. The Society does various activities for general awareness of cancer and how it can be pretended. Secretary Sunila Gupta said the society is involved in various fund raising activities to raise funds and help the poor parents to get their children treated for Cancer in DMC&H, under the guidance of Dr Praveen C. Sobti. The organisation holds meetings every now and then, among its members, to discuss and take new steps towards our objectives and mission of turning helplessness to hope. The society has adopted till now 25 cancer-affected children, out of which 8 children have received the treatment and 17 are undergoing treatment.  

Arpita cancer society organizes various camps and awareness programmes in schools and different areas prone to diseases to make people and children aware of the Cancer problems, its prevention and possible treatments.