Goans came together to raise funds for nutrition for
children fighting cancer in Taj, Panaji Goa on December 1, 2023. Anirudh
Agarwal (Chairman, CII Goa State Council & Managing Director, Agrawal
Renewable Energy Pvt Ltd) led the initiative and organized a special
fundraising drive to support Cuddles Foundation, which culminated with valuable
insights from Dr.Anupama Borkar (successful oncologist for both paediatrics and
adults at GMC), followed by a live performance from the well-known Bollywood
singer Ankur Tiwari. Cuddles Foundation currently works with 41 government and
charity cancer hospitals across 14 states. They provide support through
customized counselling by specially trained paediatric oncology nutritionists
and food aid to ensure that children receive the right nutrition to complete
their treatment successfully.
According to the presentation delivered at the fund-raiser,
it was stated that a significant number of childhood cancers are considered
curable. However, in the context of India, survival poses a considerable
challenge, as around 40% of paediatric cancer cases are reported to be malnourished
at the time of diagnosis. Malnutrition in paediatric oncology patients during diagnosis
and treatment can increase the risk of infections, side effects, complications,
and treatment delays. Children from lower socioeconomic families face a higher
risk of malnutrition.
Purnota Dutta Bahl, Founder and CEO of Cuddles Foundation,
said, "Although preventing and diagnosing childhood cancer is challenging,
timely treatment can cure most childhood cancers. However, in low and
middle-income countries, only an estimated 15-45% of children are cured of
cancer, compared to more than 80% in high-income countries. Nutrition plays a critical
role in bridging this gap."
It was further shared that approximately 76,000 children and
adolescents in India may develop cancer every year. In India, for every five
boys diagnosed with cancer, only three girls are diagnosed. According to
Cuddles Foundation, 97% of children followed up on their treatment plan when
nutrition was part of it, and 82% of patients improved or maintained their
nutritional status despite cancer therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation.
During the 2022-23 period, over 16,300 children in India battled cancer with
nutritional support provided by the Cuddles Foundation.