<p style="text-align: left;">The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) hosted its annual Children's Haematology Oncology Party on Friday, 9 March 2018<strong>.</strong> The event included fun-filled activities like face painting, zumba and puppet shows for children who are cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment.</p><p style="text-align: left;">The party provided a platform to encourage brave children who are battling cancer and offer support to their families as they go through this difficult journey.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Amanullah Rehman whose eight year old nephew Danish Iqbal is undergoing treatment for <a href="/pakistan/diseases-and-conditions/Pages/lung-cancer.aspx">lung cancer</a> at AKUH says that coming together like this and entertaining the children not only makes the children happy but it also helps caregivers feel uplifted and connect with other families in a similar situation.</p><div class="ms-rtestate-read ms-rte-wpbox" contenteditable="false" unselectable="on"><div class="ms-rtestate-notify ms-rtestate-read 72db06e6-7419-4e86-97e6-98aa82b784f0" id="div_72db06e6-7419-4e86-97e6-98aa82b784f0" unselectable="on"></div><div id="vid_72db06e6-7419-4e86-97e6-98aa82b784f0" unselectable="on" style="display: none;"></div></div><p style="text-align: left;">
</p><p style="text-align: left;">Danish was diagnosed with cancer after coming to AKUH to get tested because of pain in his body. His treatment is nearing completion and he has made good recovery. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Every year, 8,000 to 9,000 children in Pakistan are diagnosed with cancer. Of this, leukaemia (blood cancer) and lymphoma (cancer of the lymph gland) are most prevalent. At AKUH, about 50% of childhood cancer patients are on zakat or welfare support.</p><p style="text-align: left;">AKUH Professor Dr. Zehra Fadoo, who is the Section Head of the Department of Paediatric Oncology says, "more than 80% of childhood cancer is curable but needs quality and supportive care. Early diagnosis and referral is essential."</p><p style="text-align: left;">AKUH's Chief Medical Officer Dr. Asim Belgaumi says, "This is not only a comprehensive cancer care program but here all support services required by children who have cancer such as radiology, clinical laboratory, pharmacy are all available under one roof. This is necessary for timely and quality treatment."</p><p style="text-align: left;">Assistant Head Nurse of Paediatric Oncology, Saqib Ur Rehman says that providing therapeutic communication with children who have cancer as well as their families is an essential part of his work. "Especially in the initial phases of treatment, parents can feel overwhelmed as their world has turned upside down. As allied healthcare workers, we take our responsibility seriously in patiently helping them through all their queries and be their support."</p><p style="text-align: left;">The party featured a poster competition where children made art based on the theme 'Happiness is Life'. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates for those children who have completed their treatment. </p>
