To strengthen their message of spreading awareness towards children combating Cancer, Narayana Health’s Department of Paediatric Oncology today organised a Walkathon under the theme ‘Super Power’. Flagged off by Dr. Sunil Bhat, Vice-Chairman Oncology, Director & Clinical Lead – Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Blood & Bone Marrow Transplantation, the walkathon was attended by 200 participants including doctors, nursing, paramedics & support staff from the hospital along with Paediatric Cancer survivors from different age groups. The participants showed their enthusiasm in completing the 2.5 km walk, which started from Cafe Coffee Day – The Square (Vittal Mallya Road) at around 4 pm.

The event was organized on occasion of The International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD), which is observed on 15^th Feb 2023. Childhood cancer is devastating reality that affects families all around the world, with almost 300000 children expected to be diagnosed in 2023, out of which approximately 40000 are expected to be diagnosed in India. ICCD is a day to raise awareness, show support to children and families affected and to celebrate the progress that has been made in the treatment and renew our commitment to find a cure. The theme for this year is “better survival is achievable through #throughtheirhands”.

Dr. Sunil Bhat, Vice-Chairman Oncology, Director & Clinical Lead – Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Blood & Bone Marrow Transplantation at Narayana Health, highlighted that childhood cancer is highly curable with cure rates approaching 80-85% in Western world, however the cure rates in India are still in range of 40-60%. Dr. Bhat also threw light on challenges in India are lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, lack of dedicated paediatric oncology centres, expenses incurred in the treatment etc.

The walkathon witnessed overwhelming participation with participants spreading the word on fighting the disease menace through effective slogans and placards. The messages were bold and clear emphasizing on children dealing with the disease to not treat it as a stigma and getting treatment on time as it is curable in the early ages. The walkathon was attended by cancer survivors, their families, the doctors, nurses, medical & non-medical team. To strengthen its presence in cancer care solutions in the Karnataka region, Narayana Health had recently inaugurated a new Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Unit at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Centre, Narayana Health City.

–NewsVoir