Save the eye, save the child. Retinoblastoma Awareness 2020

The eyes are the most treasured sense organs in humans; these organs provide us a gateway to the world outside of us. Unfortunately in India, every year 1500-2000 children are diagnosed with a cancerous tumour of the eyes– this tumour is called Retinoblastoma. Retinoblastomas are the most common cancer of the eye in children and is generally seen in children below the age of 5 years.

The peculiar feature about this tumour is that the child does not experience any pain or discomfort, the child continues to play and lead a normal life. However, a unique “white glow” or “white eye reflex” can be observed in the affected eyes when a flash photograph of the child is taken.

Some of the other signs of the tumour include:

1. Squinting or deviation of the eyes

2. White halo/mark in the lower part of the eye

3. In advanced cases, there may be protrusion of the eyeball

Ignoring these tumours can lead to permanent blindness and even death. But, early diagnosis can ensure effective treatment is given to the child and save his/her life.

What should a teacher or a parent do if they spot the “white glow” in a child’s eyes?

• A qualified ophthalmologist (specialist doctor of the eyes) must evaluate the child.

• The doctor will use special drops to dilate the eyes and view the internal structure of the eye through an ophthalmoscope

• The doctor will then suggest the next course of action

How is retinoblastoma treated?

• Early stage retinoblastomas are treated by focal therapy such as laser, cryotherapy, thermotherapy.

• Chemotherapy may include intravenous or intra-arterial chemotherapy

• In advanced cases, the affected eye may have to be removed to save the child’s life and this will be followed by chemotherapy and local radiation therapy

• Following removal of the eyes, a customized prosthetic eye will be placed in the socket, which will allow the child to look completely normal aesthetically.

About the Department of Paediatric & Ophthalmic Oncology at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre:

The Department of Paediatric Oncology at SSCHRC is a dedicated 60 bedded unit led by an experienced and dynamic paediatric oncologist. Exclusively trained nursing staff, paediatric psychologist, social worker and dietitians support the unit. The Ophthalmic Oncology Surgeon works in close collaboration with a large team of cancer care specialists including paediatric medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation specialists and support team. The department ensures each child has access to the latest, evidence based treatment and as part of the Sri Shankara Cancer Foundation’s initiative to reduce childhood cancer mortality, the foundation has so far provided high quality, subsidized or free treatment to over 150 children.

COVID 19 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS GUIDELINES -FOR PATIENTS & CAREGIVERS (RELATIVES & OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS)

Why are precautions important?

The unfortunate outbreak of COVID 19 Pandemic has put tremendous pressure on the world, especially in the healthcare sector. The nature and behaviour of the virus is yet to be thoroughly understood and the rapidly spreading virus has led to more than one lakh deaths across the world. This calls for stringent safety precautions to be taken by every member of the society to save lives.

It is extremely important to note that individuals who are ASYMPTOMATIC – THAT IS, DO NOT HAVE ANY SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS CAN ALSO BE CARRIERS OF THE VIRUS AND SPREAD TO OTHER PEOPLE.

Who is at risk?

All individuals are at potential risk of contracting this infection.

Individuals at high risk of complications are – Senior citizens, patients with diabetes, kidney issues, individuals with previous history of lung diseases, smokers and cancer patients.

Risk for healthcare professionals and hospitals

By not disclosing any potential symptoms or history, you will be putting other patients, their caregivers, doctors, nurses and the entire hospital at risk. Several hospitals have been completely shut down in India, including one in Bangalore, because of this.

We seek your complete and unstinted support in ensuring the safety of all cancer patients over the next few months. For this, the following measures have been taken:

1. Only ONE attender per patient is allowed to visit the hospital. The same attender will have to remain with the patient during the entire period of stay at the hospital.

2. Patients are provided food at the hospital and our hospital canteen is open for caregivers. OUTSIDE FOOD IS NOT ALLOWED.

3. NO VISITORS ALLOWED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. This also includes exchange of patient attenders during the hospital stay. Any violation of this rule will not be tolerated.

4. All patients and caregivers must comply with the screening staff prior to entry into the hospital.

5. Patients have to contact the hospital over telephone for appointment before visiting the hospital.

6. Report to the doctor/hospital administration if:

i) You or any member of your family have come in contact with any person who has been confirmed or suspicious to be COVID Positive

ii) You or any family member have a recent travel history

iii) You or any family member have cough, cold, fever or difficulty in breathing.

COVID 19 Testing

As mentioned, a person may not have any symptoms of a COVID infection but may still be positive for the virus. When such a person undergoes treatment for cancer, their condition may worsen and the entire hospital will be at risk of contracting the infection.

Hence, as per the directions of Government of India, all patients (including those without any symptoms) will be tested for COVID 19 prior to any treatment for cancer. This policy will continue to be effective until it is declared by the Government and Health officials that there are no more community cases of COVID 19.

QUARANTINE GUIDELINES:

1. Stay at home for the period of quarantine; avoid contact with other members of the family who frequently go out including children.

2. Discourage family members from going out unless essential.

3. Discourage friends/relatives from visiting you at home.

4. Frequently wash hands and maintain personal hygiene.`

5. Keep your mind occupied with other indoor activities

6. Avoid using public transport to visit the hospital.

GENERAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

· Stay at home and limit all your non-essential travel.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

· Do not shake hands.

· Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water. Alcohol based hand-rub may also be used.

· Maintain personal hygiene and always maintain at least one metre distance from others.

· Do not participate in gatherings of any kind.

· If you do come out for any essential work or hospital visit, please follow the steps below:

i) Ring up home on your way back. Someone should keep the front door open (so that you do not have to touch the calling bell or door handle) and a bucket of water with washing soap or bleaching powder added to it, outside the front door.

ii) Keep your belongings in a box outside the door.

iii) Wash your hands in bucket and stand in the water for a few minutes. Meanwhile, use tissue and sanitizer wipe the items in the box. Wash hands once again.

iv) Now enter the house without touching anything, bathroom door is to be kept open by someone and bucket of detergent soap water should be ready. Take off all clothes including innerwear and soak in the bucket.

v) Take a bath with soap and wash hair with shampoo.

vi) Wash clothes / put in washing machine with high temperature setting and dry clothes in direct sunlight.

HELP US TO HELP YOU!

YOU HAVE A MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS YOUR FAMILY & THE SOCIETY.

COVID - 19 Update

What is COVID-19 Corona Virus?

COVID 19 is a flu like virus that affects the lungs and airways. It is a part of a large group of viruses that are known to cause illnesses in humans and animals.

How does it spread?

Direct contact with infected person through droplets (coughing, sneezing) and fomites (objects that may have been deposited with droplets from an infected person. This may include contaminated cloth, hand, table, chair and cot)

What are the symptoms?

Fever, Running Nose, Cough, Throat Pain, Shortness of breath, Pneumonia, Vomiting, Diarrhoea,

How can we prevent the spread of COVID 19?

Maintaining standard hygiene precautions will go a long way in preventing the spread of this infection.

We request our patients and caregivers to kindly inform their relatives/friends with a recent travel history to not visit them for upto 14 days since arrival.

GOVERNMENT OF KARNATAKA HELPLINE: 104

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 24*7 HELPLINE: +91-11-2397 8046

For more specific information, please refer the links below:

• Advice from World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

• Do’s and Don’ts by Government of India https://www.mohfw.gov.in/Poster_Corona_ad_Eng.pdf

• Travel advice by Government of India: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/ConsolidatedTraveladvisoryUpdated11032020.pdf

• Do’s and Don’ts in Kannada by Government of Karnataka https://karunadu.karnataka.gov.in/hfw/kannada/nCovDocs/coronavirus-poster-info-kannada.jpeg

• Specific Information for Cancer Patients by Cancer Research UK

• https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/sites/default/files/one_cancer_voice_advice_on_coronavirus_for_people_with_cancer.pdf?_ga=2.88657500.616681207.1583992925-2037306406.1583398582

• Prevention information by Centre for Disease Control, USA https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/community-mitigation-strategy.pdf