Share your story and shine at JK Monitor!🌟 Welcome to JK Monitor, where every story matters and every achievement is celebrated! We invite you to share the remarkable journey of your life and showcase your accomplishments to the world. Join our exclusive interviews that honor exceptional individuals just like you. JAMMU: Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC), in association with the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), Jammu Branch, and the Department of Pediatrics, SMGS Hospital Jammu, organised a focused Oncology Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on Friday to enhance awareness regarding early diagnosis and referral of pediatric cancers.
The academic programme brought together pediatricians, clinicians and healthcare professionals for interactive scientific sessions aimed at strengthening diagnostic vigilance and improving oncology care pathways for children.
The CME focused on the importance of early detection of childhood malignancies, timely referral to specialised oncology centres and accurate interpretation of routine clinical findings in everyday pediatric practice. Expert faculty members from RGCIRC shared practical and case-based insights to help bridge the gap between primary clinical evaluation and specialised cancer care.
The first scientific session was delivered by Dr. Anjali Pahuja, Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology at RGCIRC, on the topic “Malignancy or Mimic? When to Refer…”. She highlighted the importance of identifying early warning signs of pediatric cancers, especially in cases where symptoms resemble common childhood illnesses.
Dr. Pahuja stressed the need for greater clinical suspicion among pediatricians and general physicians when symptoms persist, recur or present with unusual features. She also underlined the significance of timely referrals, stating that early diagnosis and intervention considerably improve treatment outcomes and survival rates in children suffering from cancer.
The second session was conducted by Dr. Payal Malhotra, Consultant, Pediatric Hematology Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at RGCIRC, on “Decoding the CBC in Office Practice.” Her presentation focused on practical interpretation of Complete Blood Count (CBC) reports during routine pediatric consultations.
Dr. Malhotra explained how subtle abnormalities in CBC parameters can often serve as early indicators of underlying hematological malignancies in children. She also discussed common CBC variations, referral protocols and the importance of correlating laboratory findings with clinical evaluation for timely diagnosis.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks acknowledging the contributions of faculty members, clinicians and partner institutions for their active participation and academic collaboration. Organisers stated that the initiative reflects RGCIRC’s continued commitment towards advancing cancer care through medical education, capacity building and collaborative knowledge-sharing across the country.