Bhubaneswar (Odisha) – February 23, 2025, marked a significant step in the fight against childhood cancer as organizations, policymakers, and community members came together to observe International Childhood Cancer Day.
Organized by Indian Childhood Cancer Initiative-Odisha (ICCI-Odisha), the event brought together Fighters Group, SANYOG, Amrit Dhara Palliative Care Trust, Bagchi Karunashraya Palliative Care Center, Cankids KidsCan, Lions International, MAHIMAS, Rotary Club of Bhubaneswar Smile, Dhanwantari Trust, Inner Wheel Club of Bhubaneswar, HOPE Foundation, and Umeedein. The rally, stretching from Patia Square to Info-city Square, aimed to drive collective action in childhood cancer care through awareness and community participation, aligning with this year’s theme, “Inspiring Actions.”
The event featured street plays, musical performances, and interactive activities designed to educate the public on pediatric cancer. Survivors, parent support groups, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient advocates took part in the initiative, emphasizing the importance of holistic care and early detection.
Notable guests, including Mr. Pritikanta Panda, Programme Manager, OSCPS, Dr. Madhumita Das, Secretary, ICCW, Mrs. Ruby Rout, Programme Manager, Population Services of India and Mr. Manas Kumar Khara, Consultant, Health Plan, National Health Mission and from Health, Women, and Child Development Department, Government of Odisha, Ummidein Founder Nitaigoura Panigrahi and representatives from national and international organizations shared their views on how to reach services to childhood cancer victims.
Leading Pediatric oncologists of the state Dr Sonali Mohapatra, Dr Saroj Panda, Dr Nirmalya Deo Pradhan, Dr Palash Das, Bagchi Karunashraya Onco- Psychologist Ms. Keshav Sharma flagged-off the event.
Key representatives from various health and social welfare organizations shared insights on improving access to cancer care for children in Odisha. The campaign underscored the growing need for community support, better healthcare policies, and a comprehensive approach to childhood cancer treatment.
Pediatric malignancies account for five to ten percent of new cancer cases in Odisha. While a state-wide population-based cancer registry is still lacking, data from major hospitals indicate that the prevalence of childhood cancer could be above the national average. Reports suggest that each year, 150 to 200 children are diagnosed with cancer in Odisha, while AIIMS Bhubaneswar alone has recorded 250 to 300 new pediatric cancer cases annually since 2018.
A study conducted by Acharya Harihar Post Graduate Institute of Cancer (AHPGIC) revealed that childhood malignancies accounted for 1.6 to 2 percent of all cancers reported between January 2013 and December 2020. The highest frequency of childhood cancer cases originated from Mayurbhanj, Ganjam, Cuttack, and Jajpur districts. Leukemia was found to be the most common type of pediatric cancer, followed by malignant bone tumors and lymphoma.
Although there are no specific statistics about the exact burden of childhood cancer due to the absence of a state-wide population-based cancer registry (PBCR), data collected from some of the major treating hospitals revealed that the prevalence of pediatric malignancy could be above the national average of five percent.
Despite the alarming rise in cases, medical experts stress that most pediatric cancer cases are curable with timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Efforts are underway to strengthen treatment facilities, including the introduction of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at AIIMS Bhubaneswar.
As Odisha grapples with rising pediatric cancer cases, the urgent need for a comprehensive study and dedicated policies for childhood cancer care remains paramount. The Bhubaneswar Walk served as a vital reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the future generation from this growing health concern.
