Latest news with #WorldRetinoblastomaAwarenessWeek
Hans India
26-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
‘Whitathon' cautions people about early signs of retinoblastoma
Visakhapatnam: In a step to build awareness about the early detection of retinoblastoma (eye cancer) in children, a 'whitathon' was organised at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Flagged off from Kalimata temple at Beach Road, the event commemorates the 'World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week' observed in the month of May. Highlighting the importance of spotting early signs of the eye cancer, adjunct ophthalmologist at the GMR Varalakshmi campus Dr. G. Suneetha underlined the need to build awareness about the symptoms of retinoblastoma among the public. 'It is important that we educate the public, especially young parents about the symptoms of retinoblastoma. Everyone should be aware that once they notice a white reflex in a child's eye, they should immediately get it examined by an eye specialist. Early detection and treatment can save the child's life, eye, and vision,' she emphasised. Head GMR Varalakshmi campus Dr Virendra Sachdeva exhorted people to spread awareness about the symptoms of retinoblastoma. 'If each of us takes the responsibility of building awareness about retinoblastoma with others in our circle, it would make a huge difference,' he suggested. Underprivileged children suffering from retinoblastoma will be treated free of cost with the support of the funds raised from the 'whitathon' organised by the LV Prasad Eye Institute. This year, over 450 participants extended support to the cause. Retinoblastoma, a rare eye cancer, primarily affects children under three years of age. The ophthalmologists caution that signs like squint, white reflex, red eyes, swollen eyelids and enlarged eyes should not be neglected and consult a trained ophthalmologist as soon as they spot the symptoms.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
LVPEI holds ‘Whitathon' run to create awareness on Retinoblastoma
The L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) organised the seventh edition of 'Whitathon' on Sunday, May 25, to raise awareness about the early detection of Retinoblastoma (a rare eye cancer) in children and its treatment. The event was held in commemoration of World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, observed earlier this month. The run was flagged off at the Kali Mandir on the Beach Road, Visakhapatnam. Dr. Suneetha G, adjunct ophthalmologist at LVPEI's GMR Varalakshmi campus, emphasised the importance of creating awareness and educating young parents about the symptoms of Retinoblastoma and elaborated, 'It is crucial to recognise the symptoms. If a white reflex is seen in a child's eye, one should immediately get it examined by an eye specialist. Early detection and treatment can save the child's life, eye, and vision.' Retinoblastoma primarily affects children under three years of age. Loss of the 'RB1 gene'—a' tumour suppressor gene, whose function is to stop cells from turning cancerous—is a major cause. Symptoms include a yellowish-white glow that appears in the pupil (the black part) of a child's eye when light is shone on it, especially in photos taken with a flash. Other symptoms include poor vision, redness of the eyes, and squinting. The treatment usually involves multiple procedures and surgeries, with close monitoring over several months. Dr. Virendra Sachdeva, Head GMR Varalakshmi campus, urged participants to spread awareness about the symptoms of Retinoblastoma. Funds from the Whitathon run will be utilised to provide free treatment to underprivileged children suffering from Retinoblastoma and for future research. This year's event saw over 450 participants. LVPEI has provided over 3,000 free treatments to date. Annually, the institute treats 150 to 200 new cases of Retinoblastoma and has managed to save the life of a child in 90% of cases. 'However, we could save the vision of only 45% of these cases while 55% lost their vision because of late presentation,' said a representative of the group. While eye cancer is rare, it can be life-threatening and lead to permanent loss of vision or even eye enucleation (removal of the eye) if not detected early. Unfortunately, lack of awareness leads to many cases being diagnosed only at an advanced stage, when treatment options become limited.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Over 1,500 join ‘Whitathon' walk for childhood eye cancer awareness
The L. V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) hosted the seventh edition of its annual 'Whitathon' walk on Sunday, drawing over 1,500 participants to raise awareness about the early detection of Retinoblastoma, an aggressive eye cancer affecting children, and to mobilise funds for its treatment. The event, organised in observance of World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week (May 11 to 17), was flagged off at T-Works, Raidurgam by Y Nagi Reddy, Director General of Disaster Response and Fire Services, Telangana. He was joined by Prashant Garg, executive chairman of LVPEI, and Vijay Anand Reddy, director of Apollo Cancer Hospital. Proceeds from the run will go towards providing free treatment to underprivileged children diagnosed with Retinoblastoma, as well as supporting ongoing research in the field, said a release.
