Citing to the rising cases of cancer cases among the paediatric population and with the availability of advanced treatment modules, there is a dire need to raise awareness among parents to get timely access for better quality outcomes.

In view of the same Fortis Hospital Gurugram, on the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, launched first of its kind Paediatric Solid Tumor Clinic, in their hospital today. While cancer in children is not treated like adult cases and the types in children are different from that seen in the adults, they are vulnerable to a unique clinical challenge.

With the advent of the specialized Paediatric Solid tumor clinic at Fortis Hospital Gurugram, the main motive is that ‘No Child should die in the dawn of life’. The clinic will be operational on every Wednesdays from 2 PM to 4 PM, under the able leadership of Dr. Vikas Dua and Dr. Mansi Sachdev (Paediatric Oncologist)

This clinic which is functional from today will be efficiently treating children with a variety of solid tumors/malignancies, from brain and spinal cord tumors to tumors affecting bones and muscles and those arising from the liver and kidney. A team of doctors including Paediatric medical Oncologists, Surgical Oncologists, Radiation Oncologist, Neurosurgeons, Interventional Radiologists and Nuclear Medicine doctors will apply a multidisciplinary approach to treat children with such malignancies.

Present at the launch were the multidisciplinary team of oncologists and surgeons along with various cancer survivor children with their parents who shared their victorious journey battling through cancer.

“While most of the parents are unaware of the condition and tend to ignore the early symptoms, it is imperative to raise awareness among them that such conditions are completely curable with advanced technology and experienced medical team. Paediatric Oncology is a medical speciality focusing on effective treatment of children with cancer and is associated with excellent outcomes. Thus parents must be aware of the early and common symptoms, for seeking the timely intervention for a better quality of life. Our team has a vast experience of treating children with cancer not only from India but also abroad” Said Dr Vikas Dua, Additional Director & HOD, Paediatric Haematology Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Hospital, Gurugram

As per the recent data provided by World Health Organisation (WHO) around 4 lakh children in the age bracket of 0 to 19 years are diagnosed with some form of cancer. And according to Indian Cancer Society India attributes to over 50000 such cases every year. Unlike in adults, paediatric cancer in children grows and proliferates rapidly, but at the same time cancer cells are highly sensitive to chemotherapy treatment which makes it a very practical and realistically achievable goal.

“While most of the childhood cancers are curable with generic medications and other treatment modules including chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgeries, early diagnosis, prompt and right treatment is the key. Although cases of paediatric cancers are rare attributing to 3% of all the cancer cases in India, but is yet one of the leading causes of death by disease after infancy among children. With recent advancements in the field of oncology treatment, the cure rate is high and the productive life in cured children are also found to be significantly high provided appropriate treatment is availed.” Said Dr Mansi Sachdev, Senior Consultant, Paediatric Haematology Oncology & Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Hospital, Gurugram.

“It is very troublesome to hear the news that your kid is suffering from cancer. Our 10-year-old kid was in recurring pain, a vision that no parent can accept. But we as parents never lost hope and believed that with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Doctors at Fortis Hospital, Gurugram counselled us about the treatment modules and the outcomes. We are very thankful to see our son back to normal since past one year and enjoys mingling with other kids.” Said one of the parent present.