Pledge against Smoking in Public to Prevent Childhood Cancer – Model Alester during ICCD
Mangaluru: The KMC Hospital Attavar, organised International Childhood Cancer Day, at the Sanjivini Hall, here on February 16.
The programme began with an invocation. Consultant Paediatric Haematologist Oncologist Dr Harsha Prasada L welcomed the gathering. In his welcome speech, Dr Harsha said, “Cancer is like war and whoever has recovered from it are warriors. Whoever is cured they have won their battle against the disease and they are now involved in various activities leading a normal life. By organising such programmes, children who have fought against cancer and won can share their experience. To create awareness and avoid social stigma such programmes will be of great help. When children suffer from cancer, they undergo treatment and therapy during which there will be changes in their day-to-day life. Through such programmes children can have some good time. This is the 56th centre celebrating the International Childhood Cancer Day. We also organising fundraising programmes because the treatment for cancer is very expensive and many families have lost their entire savings to treat their dear ones who suffer from cancer.”
The programme was inaugurated by the Runner Up Mr India Manhunt International Alester D’Souza by pouring water to the sapling along with cancer survivors and other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering Alester said, “I would like to thank the KMC Hospital Attavar for inviting me here to be the part of this programme. I am really sad to see innocent children suffering from cancer. Children are innocent, we are all in one way or the other responsible for this deadly disease. I see a number of youngsters and adults smoking in public which affects children directly or indirectly. Pollution also affects vulnerable children, which can be reduced by using public transport. I urge the public to pledge against smoking in public and fight to reduce pollution to prevent childhood cancer. Instead of fighting cancer, it is better to prevent it. I advise the children to be positive and strong which definitely will help them to win the war against cancer.”
Speaking on the occasion Associate Dean KMC Attavar Dr B Unnikrishnan said, “The children who suffered from cancer are the warriors. This is your day because the International Childhood Cancer day is celebrated all over the world. 80 percent of childhood cancer is curable but unfortunately, in our country, only 20 to 30% of childhood cancer is curable because of lack of awareness. Why the survival rate is low in developing countries is because of the parents not aware of the symptoms and they do not take their children to the doctor when they have a fever or other infection. We talk about Malaria in Mangaluru and we treat children at home if they get a fever. We do not want to know why the child suffers from fever for long. Today is an important day the world over to raise awareness about childhood cancer and treatment for children with cancer. The best quality affordable treatment is the basic human right for children and we need to give them their right since survival rate in childhood cancer is very high”.
HOD Paediatrics Dr Kamalakshi Bhat also spoke on the occasion. Dr Soundarya delivered the vote of thanks. Various games were conducted for cancer affected children at the venue.
Smoking in public is not only harmful for children but for adults as well. Cancer is one of the main culprit caused by smoking not only for the smokers themselves but also for the public. U.S.A. has proven that smoking is harmful for everyone – period. Majority of the flights within U.S.A. and Canada are “smoke free” flights, and the offenders are severely punished. Even most of the indoor sports stadiums are totally forbidden for smoking, and so also all the high rise buildings. The smoke detectors are everywhere not only for total surveillance but also for immediate discipline. India… Read more »