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International Society of Pediatric Oncology's Annual Conference in Mumbai

SIOP 2007 was hosted for the first time in India between 29^th October and 3^rd November with the key Message: Childhood Cancer: Care to Cure - A Global Mission. This conference had multidisciplinary programmes for specialists concerned with childhood cancer, nurses, parents and survivors. It was a true meeting of minds for oncologists, surgeons, radiotherapists, pathologists, nurses, basic scientists, epidemiologists, bio statisticians, psychologists, parents and survivors. This conference was held at NCPA and was

preceded by pre-conference events including 'Hands-on Workshops'. CPAA was one of the local organizing committee members. CPAA's Executive Director, Dr. Shubha Maudgal who was part of the Working Group who put this event together, was also invited to chair one of the sessions. CPAA's Chairman and CEO, Mr. Y. K. Sapru delivered the Keynote address on "Building a cancer NGO from scratch: 36 years of experience", while Ms. Susmita Mitra presented a paper on "Problems faced by parents of children suffering from cancer in

India

". CPAA also took part in the Information Market Reception to display it's brochures, books and informative literature related to childhood cancers and showcased the various events organised by CPAA for children. Ms. Neeta More, Director Diagnostic Services participated in a poster presentation on the topic 'Tobacco related pre-cancerous conditions in children in India '.

Loksatta Talk

CPAA in association with Loksatta organized an open forum meet in Marathi entitled 'Fight Against Breast Cancer' during breast cancer month on October 14, 2007. Dr. Rajendra Badwe, Prof. and Head, Department of Surgical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital , spoke about the signs, symptoms and treatment of Breast Cancer. Dr. Mandakini Purandare, Gynaecologist, shared her experiences during CPAA camps and clinics. Popular television actress and theatre personality Mrs. Renuka Shahane-Rana, who was chief guest of the programme spoke about spreading awareness about the importance of regular checkups after the age of 30-35 yrs. Mr. Y. K. Sapru, Chairman-CPAA, spoke about the varied activities of the association with special emphasis on breast cancer management. This was followed by an informative and interactive session moderated by Mrs. Neeta More, Director Diagnostic Services, CPAA. The forum was compered by Medical Journalist Mrs. Sandhya Patwardhan.

Dr. Asit Gore well known Surgeon and CPAA panel Doctor was felicitated by Mrs. Shahane-Rana and Mr. Sapru for his valuable contribution towards the early detection activities of CPAA.

"Thank-you Cancer", a book by Ms. Megha Bajaj was launched by Mrs. Renuka Shahane-Rana at this function too. Mrs. Ranjana Vighne and Mrs. Vishakha Shirke, two survivors shared their experiences too at this forum.

This was followed by a similar forum in association with the Nanbhat Janhith Society at Nanbhat, Virar.

Childhood Cancer booklet in English & Hindi

With the backing of Dr. Bharat Agarwal, Head, Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, B.J. Wadia Hospital for Children, CPAA has developed a booklet in a colouring book format aimed at providing information to children undergoing treatment for leukemia. The book has been developed by Anagha Nigwekar, Vandana Natu, Neerja Chittaranjan and Meghana Suchak. The booklet was printed free of charge by Rahul and Ashok Jain of Akar Limited who have promised to print the book in all local languages as well. We are very grateful for their selfless contributions.

CPAA posters at the American Consulate

CPAA's Anti tobacco and Breast cancer awareness posters were displayed at American Consulate as a part of the American Consulate's programmes for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.

CPAA takes part in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon

CPAA will participate in the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2008 to raise money for cancer patients. CPAA's participation in the 2007 marathon was a huge success. We were given an award for the 2nd Highest Pledge Raising NGO with collections of Rs. 16.43 lacs.

The Mumbai marathon which started 5 years ago is today an established event with participants coming from all over the world. For NGOs, the event is a chance to raise awareness about their cause and generate funds. As a tribute to the spirit of Mumbai, charity has always been at the heart of Asia's largest marathon, the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon. A slew of support activities are planned and materials created to help anyone who would like to make a difference, reach out and do so.