Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 9: KMC Hospital, Mangaluru in association with the Tapasya Foundation and Lions International Dist 13D, successfully conducted ‘Shourya – Child Cancer Awareness Programme’ which was aimed at spreading awareness and educating the public about childhood cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
The event was held at KMC Hospital, where leading child cancer specialist, healthcare professionals, and social activists came together to share valuable insights on various aspects of childhood cancer. The programme featured informative sessions on the importance of regular screenings, early diagnosis, live testimony and talent exhibit by young cancer survivors.
Dr Shantharam Shetty, senior orthopaedic surgeon & pro chancellor Nitte University felicitated cancer survivors for their achievements in various fields like academics, sports and entertainment. Being a cancer survivor himself, he said, "Over the past decade, we have observed a significant increase in the awareness and early detection of childhood cancers in India. While the incidence of pediatric cancers has been gradually rising, advancements in treatment and better access to specialized care have significantly improved survival rates. However, there is still a critical need for more comprehensive support systems and widespread awareness campaigns to ensure that children across all regions have access to timely diagnosis and effective treatment."
Dr Harsha Prasad L, child cancer specialist / paediatric heamto-oncologist KMC Hospital Mangaluru stated, "Addressing childhood cancer requires not only advanced medical treatment but also a compassionate approach that supports the child and their family throughout the journey. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial in improving outcomes, but equally important is the emotional and psychological care we provide. Programmes like the Shourya Cancer Awareness Programme play a vital role in educating the community, reducing stigma, and ensuring that no child faces this battle alone. The talents exhibited by the children showcase that cancer in children can be reversed and a child can live a normal life."
Saghir Siddiqui, regional chief operating officer, KMC Hospital Mangaluru expressed the hospital's commitment to supporting cancer awareness and providing quality healthcare services to the community. "Cancer awareness is crucial in our fight against this disease. Early detection and prevention can save lives, and we are proud to be part of this initiative. At KMC Hospital, we are committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for children battling cancer. Dr Harsha Prasad has been treating over hundreds of children from Goa up to Kannur, and has had positive outcomes in all these cases over the years. Our comprehensive paediatric care centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, offering the latest in diagnostic and treatments. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical expertise with personalized care plans that address the unique needs of each child. Our dedicated team of specialists, nurses, and support staff work tirelessly to ensure that every child receives the highest standard of care in a nurturing and supportive environment."
Inspirational stories from cancer survivors were shared, offering hope and motivation to those currently battling the disease. Live testimony was shared by many parents; a mother spoke about her initial apprehension towards the treatment of her young son when was diagnosed with cancer. However, she found immense support from the staff and doctor, along with other family members who were battling similar challenges as her. Her son has made positive recovery and she shared her happiness in choosing KMC Hospital Mangaluru for her son’s treatment.
The cancer survivors displayed their talent to the audience through various entertainment programme like Yashkshana performance, dance, mimicry and much more.
Tapasya Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving public health and education through various social initiatives, with a strong focus on empowering communities and promoting awareness about critical health issues. The Lions Club is a global service organization with a mission to serve communities through various humanitarian efforts, including health initiatives, disaster relief, and community development projects. They have supported children for their nutrition requirements, extended learning and stationaries support along with financial aids and much more.
The event was well-attended by members of the community, healthcare professionals, and volunteers. The Tapasya Foundation, Lions Club, and KMC Hospital plan to make the Shourya Cancer Awareness Programme an annual event, with a commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the coming years.
About Manipal Hospitals
As a pioneer in healthcare, Manipal Hospitals is among the top healthcare providers in India serving over 7 million patients annually. Its focus is to develop an affordable, high-quality healthcare framework through its multispecialty and tertiary care delivery spectrum and further extend it to out-of-hospital care. With the completion of the acquisition of Medica Synergie hospitals and AMRI Hospitals Limited (acquired in Sept 2023), the integrated network today has a Pan-India footprint of 37 hospitals across 19 cities with 10,500+ beds, and a talented pool of 5,600+ doctors and an employee strength of over 18,600.
Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for many patients from around the globe. Manipal Hospitals is NABH, and AAHRPP accredited and most of the hospitals in its network are NABL, ER, and Blood Bank accredited and recognized for Nursing Excellence. Manipal Hospitals has also been recognized as the most respected and patient-recommended hospital in India through various consumer surveys.