Fri Sep 13 02:56:00 UTC 2024: ## Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Highlights Urgent Need for Support in India
**New Delhi:** September, designated as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, shines a light on the devastating impact of cancer on children and their families worldwide. This “Gold September,” symbolizing the courage of these young warriors, urges society to express solidarity and provide support.
Dr. Priti Mehta, Senior Consultant in Paediatric Haematology Oncology and BMT at Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, spoke to News9Live about the prevalence and challenges of childhood cancer in India.
“India bears a significant portion of the global burden, with around 50,000 children diagnosed with cancer each year,” explained Dr. Mehta. “Many of these cases originate from rural areas where access to healthcare is limited, forcing families to travel to larger cities for treatment. This adds to the already substantial financial burden, leading to treatment abandonment and tragic loss of life.”
Dr. Mehta emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs in children, as they may struggle to express their symptoms clearly. Parents should seek medical attention if they notice:
* **Unexplained weight loss**
* **Headaches, especially with early morning vomiting, or sudden onset squint**
* **Leg pain at night, particularly if it wakes the child repeatedly**
* **Back or joint pain, even if children rarely complain of these**
* **Excessive paleness, lumps, bruises, unexplained bleeding, or persistent fevers**
These symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation to rule out potential childhood cancers.
**The month-long awareness campaign aims to empower parents, raise awareness among healthcare providers, and advocate for improved access to treatment and support for children battling cancer.** The focus is on ensuring early diagnosis, timely treatment, and a better future for these young lives.
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