The Department of Medical Oncology at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) organised an awareness programme in Puducherry to mark National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2026.
Held under the theme, “Tiny Hands, Mighty Hearts - Childhood Cancer is Curable,” the programme sought to spread awareness about childhood cancer, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and that childhood cancer was curable.
The programme brought together healthcare professionals, childhood cancer survivors, students, volunteers, NGOs and members of community.
Prasanth Ganesan, Professor, Medical Oncology, underlined the need for early recognition, timely care and continued support for children undergoing cancer treatment.
Saka Vinod Kumar, Medical Superintendent, Jipmer, K. Swaminathan, Assistant Profesor, Medical Oncology and Smita Kayal, Professor, Department of Medical Oncology also spoke.
The Department of Medical Oncology at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (Jipmer) organised an awareness programme in Puducherry to mark National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 2026.
Held under the theme, “Tiny Hands, Mighty Hearts - Childhood Cancer is Curable,” the programme sought to spread awareness about childhood cancer, emphasising the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, and that childhood cancer was curable.
The programme is aligned with the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, which targets a 60% survival rate by 2030 and seeks to reduce suffering among children and adolescents.
The programme brought together healthcare professionals, childhood cancer survivors, students, volunteers, NGOs and members of community. As part of the programme, drawing competitions were organised for school and college students to encourage them to express their understanding and support for children affected with cancer. Students from various educational institutions across Puducherry participated.
Prasanth Ganesan, Professor, Medical Oncology, underlined the need for early recognition, timely care and continued support for children undergoing cancer treatment.
The awareness programme also emphasised the role of families, healthcare professionals, schools and the wider community to ensure appropriate treatment care while promoting the emotional wellbeing, education and social development of children during and after treatment.
According to Jipmer, India contributes to 20% of the world’s childhood cancers, with leukemia, lymphoma, and CNS tumours being most common. The institute has maintained a paediatric cancer registry since 2010 and currently registers approximately 200-220 new cases annually.
Saka Vinod Kumar, Medical Superintendent, Jipmer, K. Swaminathan, Assistant Profesor, Medical Oncology and Smita Kayal, Professor, Department of Medical Oncology also spoke.
