Parental care is vital in prevention and cure of cancers in children: Doctors

Emphasising the tremendous role that can parents play in preventing cancers in their wards, doctors on the eve of World Cancer Day, stressed the need for parents to take this seriously, on Sunday.

Stating that parents play an important role in the prevention and cure of cancers among their children, Dr Anita Ramesh, a renowned Oncologist in the city, said, “Parents must avoid smoking and drinking in front of their children. Besides, they must encourage their children to get involved in physical activities and eat right. Such steps can help in the prevention of diseases like cancers.”

Besides, with respect to paediatric cancers, she said, “Not many institutions in the city are geared for paediatric cancers. There are no promotions, awareness programmes or the like to help educate the parents on the role they play. Witnessing a rapid increase in the burden of the disease among children each year, only makes the matters worse.”

The sad truth is that millions of cancer cases are found late, said Dr C P Mohan, an Oncologist. “This not only burns a hole in the pockets of the patient’s family members, it also makes the treatment more complicated and reduces the possibility of avoiding death. It is therefore important for steps to be taken to increase awareness on prevention and early detection of cancers.”

Further stressing on cancer awareness, Vasantha memorial trust organised a painting contest for school students to drive home the fact that cancer is certainly curable with early detection. Over 350 students from40 schools participated in thecompetition.