Jipmer support group for cancer stricken children

PUDUCHERRY: Jawharlal Institute of Post Medical Education and Research will start a support group called ‘Surabhi’ for children with cancer to improve compliance, Dr Biswajit, Assistant Professor of Department of Medical Oncology, JIPMER said. Dr Biswajit said in JIPMER, approximately 100 cancer stricken children were being treated every year. The types of cancer in children include blood cancer, lymphoma, bone cancer, brain tumour and neuro blastoma, an offi cial statement said. The treatment protocol for them is usually aggressive and requires prolonged treatment. As a result, some children even discontinue their treatment, resulting in poor outcome even when even though most childhood cancers can be cured. The support group will meet once in two months wherein patients who complete the treatment would meet children who are undergoing treatment and discuss the importance of having regular treatment and regular follow-up. Medical education and psychological counselling will also be carried out during these meeting, Dr Biswajit added. He said as part of the ‘International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day’ JIPMER will conduct a painting competition for children with cancer tomorrow.