Stopping treatment mid-way a challenge

November 21, 2014 10:36 am | Updated 10:36 am IST - PUDUCHERRY:

Abandonment of treatment is turning out to be among the bigger challenges for those working in the field of childhood cancer in India. At Jipmer, the institution has recorded an increase of 1.1pe rcent every year in childhood cancers, with leukaemia, lymphoma, Central Nervous System and brain tumour being the most common. Abandonment of treatment lowers chances of survival rate, say doctors at the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC), JIPMER.

Speaking at the Children’s Day celebrations held on Monday at RCC, Dr. J. Balachandar, Medical Superintendent, JIPMER, assured patients and their families that the institution would continue to provide free cancer treatment and mentioned the Rastriya Arogya Nidhi scheme which provides for funding.

“Trust is the primary factor in treatment. You may see hair fall and notice change in appearance, but that must not deter you in continuing treatment. For effective treatment, the treatment course must be completed,” he said, adding that advancements had been made in the field increasing chances of complete cure.

“Abandonment of treatment occurs because parents are unaware of the seriousness of the illness and some of them resort to taking native medication. Also, many of the parents are daily wage labourers who cannot afford to miss their wages,” said Dr. Ranjith Kumar, Department of Medical Oncology, which functions out of the RCC.

The RCC enlists the help of medical social workers who provide counselling to families and follow-up with them to reduce chances of treatment abandonment. NGOs like CANKIDS provide monetary support during the period of treatment.

Sometimes, even a little magic helps. At the Children’s Day celebrations, the Rotary Club of Pondicherry Beach Town organised a magic show and gave away prizes for a painting competition held for child patients of the RCC.

Providing encouragement at the celebrations was 21-year-old Arun, who was diagnosed with cancer as a teenager. After completing his treatment, he is now working as a lecturer in a community college.

If detected early and with completion of treatment, 70 per cent of childhood cancer can be completely cured, said Dr. Kumar.

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