Proper treatment and awareness can cure cancer in children: Expert

Bhubaneswar, Sep 19: Treatment of cancer in children is challenging but there was no need to lose hope, Odisha's Director family welfare, Dr. Bijay Kumar Panigrahi said on Sunday. Timely diagnosis, symptoms, proper treatment and patience shown by parents were the keys to success in cancer treatment, he said while speaking at the Pediatric Hematology and Oncology Meet-2021 held at IMS and SUM Hospital here on Sunday. The meet was organised jointly by IMS and SUM Hospital and Odisha branch of Indian Association of Pediatrics. Dr. Panigrahi, who is also President of Odisha branch of IAP, said that children mostly faced problems like blood cancer or cancer of the brain. The earlier the problem is diagnosed, the quicker will be the treatment leading to recovery. Dr. Panigrahi also advised people to take recourse to tele- consultation for medical help in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. Dr. Saroj Panda, professor in the Pediatric Oncology and Hematology department of IMS and SUM Hospital, said timely diagnosis and treatment could ensure cure in 80 per cent of the patients. There was need for awareness, he said. Among others, Prof Pusparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent of the hospital, Dr. Ajay Jena, Additional Dean, Dr. Mamata Debi Mohanty, Head of Pediatric department and Dr. Biswajit Mishra, central member of IAP, addressed the meeting attended by around 100 practitioners.