Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 13: In connection with International Childhood Cancer Day, Department of Paediatrics, SMGS Hospital Jammu, in collaboration with IAP, J&K State Branch, CANKIDS…KIDSCAN and Cuddles Foundation, organised an awareness program for ASHA workers on ‘Early Detection of Cancer in Children’ at CHC Kot Bhalwal.
Dr Rabia Khan, BMO Kot Bhalwal introduced the team comprising of Dr Sanjeev Kumar Digra, Professor and Consultant I/C, Paediatric Haematology, Oncology Ward, Department of Paediatrics, SMGS Hospital, Jammu; Dr Akshay Kumar, Junior Resident Paediatrics; Suruchi Sharma, Medical Social Worker cum Counsellor and Rashika Jerath, Paediatric Nutritionist.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Digra briefed the gathering about the importance of spreading the awareness amongst the ASHA workers regarding early detection of cancer in children as they are the first contact person in delivery of health services at the grassroot level. He also informed the gathering that most of the paediatric cancers are treatable with high success rate provided they are detected early and treated appropriately. He added that facilities for free of cost treatment of childhood cancer are available at the Department of Paediatrics SMGS Hospital, Jammu.
Suruchi Sharma delivered a talk on early detection of cancer in children. She enumerated the early signs and symptoms of childhood cancer which include unexplained persistent fever, persistent anaemia, unexplained bony pains, lump in any part of the body, white reflects in the eye and unexplained bleeding being some of them. She also maintained that the presence of these signs and symptoms does not always mean cancer and therefore the child should be referred to the hospital for further investigations as soon as possible.
Rashika explained the importance of balance diet, which includes appropriate amount of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins. She also apprised the gathering about the bad effects of junk food.
Dr Era Suri, Consultant Anaesthesia CHC Kot Bhalwal, also emphasised the need of avoiding junk or packaged food to improve the overall health status of children.
Dr Nisha Thapa, Medical Officer Kot Bhalwal conducted the proceedings.
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