Childhood Cancer Survivor Meet: 300 cancer survivors share their inspiring journeys at NRS Medical College

Kolkata: In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, CanKids KidsCan, the National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India, hosted a survivor meet on Monday in collaboration with the Hematology Department of NRS Medical College and Hospital.

The event also marked the launch of the Passport2Life Survivorship Services in Bengal. 

According to a UNI report, the Passport2Life program is designed to sensitize and educate survivors about late side effects, health impacts and long-term fall out of their treatment through clinics, forums and workshops. The program creates an online and offline passport for survivors to access their own records, manage their late effects as well as a community portal for support and reintegration back into society.

During the meet, childhood cancer survivors from CanKids shared their inspiring experiences, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach that extends beyond just medical care.

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They performed cultural activities followed by a talk on ‘Childhood Cancer In West Bengal (Issues & Concerns)’ by Prof. (Dr.) Tuphan Kanti Dolai HOD, Hematology Department, an overview of ‘Passport2Life’ by Prof. (Dr.) Rajib De and finally a discussion on ‘Medical and Psychological Aspects of Childhood Cancer Survivors’ by CanKids psychologists.

The program concluded with a Nukkad Natak/Street Play on Childhood Cancer Survivorship followed by a vote of thanks. Around 300 survivors with their parents attended the program.

Poonam Bagai, Founder Chairman of CanKids, stated, “Under the MoU with the West Bengal Department of National Health Mission (NHM) signed in 2020, CanKids is committed to working with the government, childhood cancer treating hospitals, doctors, and all stakeholders, targeting to achieve by 2030: 100 % Universal Health Coverage through 100% Access2Care and 100% financial protection for all kids with cancer, news agency UNI reported.

Survival rates should cross 60% and as more and more children survive they should thrive. This is aligned with the World Health Organization’s Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) goals.”

Prof. (Dr.) Tuphan Kanti Dolai HOD, Hematology Department, NRS Hospital said, “The launch of the Passport2Life State service at NRS Hospital Kolkata, during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is a significant milestone in the fight against childhood cancer in West Bengal. The Passport2Life program aims to provide comprehensive care and support to childhood cancer survivors, focusing on enhancing their quality of life through medical care, psychological support, and long-term follow-up.

The program educates survivors about potential late effects of their cancer treatment and how to manage them. It establishes a network among childhood cancer survivors in West Bengal. “

Nabarun Panda Regional, Head CanKids said, “CanKids is partnering with 14 cancer-treating hospitals in the state of WB. Just like NRS has been a early adopter, we hope to have P2L services at all these hospitals for children who are treated there. Many survivors who receive treatment outside the state, return to resume schooling, college, and in time, jobs and careers.

This service, which is part of the Passport2Life program, will provide comprehensive support, including medical follow-up, psychosocial care, and life skills training, ensuring a smooth transition from treatment to survivorship through both in-person and online services."

CanKids has since April 2013 provided over 5700 children in West Bengal with holistic care and support, including assistance with drugs, diagnostics, therapies, patient transport, blood support, nutrition, and hygiene counselling with supplementary rations. CanKids also runs a Home away from Home for patients, a low-cost accommodation facilities for the patients and their families during treatment.

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