Childhood cancer survivors need care, counseling for wholesome recovery

Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Delhi hosted "Celebrating Life 2017" with its focus on raising awareness among the childhood cancer survivors about ways to stay healthy after beating it.

The event was marked with an introductory note on "Staying Healthy after Childhood Cancer" by Dr. Sandeep Jain, Consultant - Pediatric Hematology Oncology at RGCI.

Childhood cancer is curable and is quite different from cancers in adults. Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Delhi has a dedicated department of Pediatric Hematology Oncology under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Gauri Kapoor.

"As more and more children overcome their illness and get back to normal lives, the focus shifts to ensuring that they lead a long and healthy life. It is therefore important that the childhood cancer survivors and their parents understand that there may be long term effects of the primary disease as well as its treatment," said Dr. Gauri Kapoor, Director Pediatric Hematology Oncology & Medical Director, RGCIRC, Niti Bagh.

The get together was designed with the intent of bringing the survivors together and giving them an opportunity to share and connect with those who have been through the same experience, as also to increase awareness.

This created an environment of trust and support for the children who have survived this disease.

"A child who has survived cancer has their entire life ahead of them and it is important that they receive the right care and counseling for a wholesome recovery. According to PBCR reports for 2012-2014 the proportion of childhood cancers relative to cancers in all age groups varied between - 0.7% and 4.4% which is lower than previous reported proportion of 0.5 - 5.8% for 2006 - 2011," said Dr. Shalini Misra, Consultant Pediatric surgical Oncologist at RGCI.

The event was marked with a series of dance performances by children, a career counseling session, life skills session by a professional, and a musical performance.

The survivors and their families received knowledge and information in an environment of fun and relaxation in stalls that offered Body & Nail Art, Tattoos, Selfie clicking, and a Career Counseling desk to help them explore options for a bright future.

The cultural program ended with an exhilarating fashion show where the participating children and young adults walked the ramp with fervor and confidence; defying all odds.