Colon Cancer Awareness Campaign at Dr.Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals, Pallikaranai

In connection with World Colon cancer Awareness month- March 2023, Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital held a three-day awareness program on three major actionable areas titled " Preventable, Treatable, and Beatable " on the 29th, 30th, and 31st of March 2023.

According to the press release, this awareness program focused on colon cancer which is now very prevalent among the population, and how simple and effective preventive measures can help contain the same. As per ICMR 2022 report, in India, the annual incidence rates (AARs) for colon cancer and rectal cancer in men are 4.4 and 4.1 per 100000, respectively. The AAR for colon cancer in women is 3.9 per 100000. Colon cancer ranks 8th and rectal cancer ranks 9th among men. Colon Cancer is also the third most diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females, with more than 1.4 million new cancer cases yearly, according to the National Institute of Health 2017 report. During the three-day program, Dr. Adarsh Surendranath - Consultant Medical Gastroenterology Dr.KMH, elaborated on the symptoms of colon cancer, Dr. Raj Kumar Rathanasamy. - Consultant Surgical Gastroenterology explained the surgical treatment process and its benefits, and Dr. Joseph Dominic - a Medical Oncologist, explained how even a 4th stage colon cancer could be treated fully, which could provide hope to many. The three-day awareness session had a full-day information center where patients and the public could approach and seek answers to their questions. 20 Counters exhibiting homemade GUT healthy food, which could be one of the best medicines for colon cancer, were available for consumption by the patients and the public to sample and take tips. Close to 500 members availed of this facility.

The importance of lack of exercise as a health hazard was emphasized, and consultants' relay running race sought to highlight this. This was complemented by a GUT healthy Yoga session by Ms. Ramya V, a veteran Yoga practitioner and Administrative Officer at Dr.KMH, who demonstrated and explained various asanas relevant to GUT health and digestion, completing the three main facets of colon cancer awareness. Dr. T.G Govindarajan - Founder, President, and Managing Director of DR.KMH, mentioned, "In today's fast-paced world, the copious intake of readymade food and junk food with preservatives and harmful content has accelerated the prevalence of colon cancer. Returning to our roots and eating healthy homemade food with fiber intake, adequate exercise, and good sleep is essential. Avoiding smoking and consuming alcohol would also go a long way in preventing cancers. " The awareness program concluded with a closing event where the hospital management recognized all the participants.

February 4 is celebrated across the globe as World Cancer Day. The day is marked out to remember the progress being made in cancer research, to spread awareness on cancer care, to celebrate those who have fearlessly fought and survived the disease, to honour the memories of those who lost the battle, and to applaud the bravehearts fighting the disease even as we speak.

World Cancer Day was conceived in 2000 at the World Summit Against Cancer (Paris). It is an initiative by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). The idea is to encourage cancer research, spread awareness and advocate initiatives that unite the global community to reduce the global cancer burden.

Says Dr. T.G. Govindarajan, Chairman & Managing Director, Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals, "By 2040, the global burden is expected to grow to 27.5 million new cancer cases and 16.3 million cancer deaths simply due to the growth and ageing of the population. The only way to fight the numbers is through early detection and screening. This marathon is a initiative to spread awareness in this direction".

In keeping with the spirit of World Cancer Day, Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital, Pallikaranai (Chennai) conducted a marathon on February 26 2023. The event was inaugurated by Mr. R Albin Raj, Inspector of Police - Law & Order, Pallikarnai Police Station in the presence of Dr. T.G. Govindarajan, Chairman & Managing Director - Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Group of Hospitals.

Says Dr. T.G. Sivaranjani Director "The goal of the event was to spread awareness of cancer care and treatment among the general public. Close to 450 people participated in the marathon, including several senior doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, and others. It was definitely heartening to see the turnout for the marathon which was also supported by Decathlon with medals and certificates besides providing volunteers.

Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals, Pallikaranai conducted a Cyclothon to spread awareness about Cervical Cancer, early screening and timely vaccination on Jan 29, 2023. The Cyclothon which started at 6 am was flagged off by Mr. Anandakumar, Additional Deputy Commissioner - CCB. The Cyclothon commenced from the hospital to Pallavaram bridge and back covering a total of 16 kms. Dr. T.G. Govindarajan Chairman & Managing Director, Director Dr. Jayanthi, Director Dr. T.G. Sivaranjani and Advisor Dr. K.M. Radhakrishanan participated in this event.

Dr. T.G. Govindarajan on start of the event said "Cervical cancer is a public health problem in developing countries like India, so much so that India alone accounts for one-quarter of the worldwide burden of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer accounts for 17% of all cancer deaths among women aged between 30 and 69 years. It is estimated that cervical cancer will occur in approximately 1 in 53 Indian women during their lifetime compared with 1 in 100 women in more developed regions of the world. Around 453 million Indian women aged 15 years and above are at risk of developing cancer. Current data indicates that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among females in the country. Low age at marriage, early age at first intercourse, higher parity raises the risk of HPV acquisition among Indian women. Aligned to this year's theme for Cervical Cancer 'Get informed, get screened, get vaccinated'. We conduct regular awareness programs for Cervical cancer, promote Pap smear screening and HPV Vaccination in our institution".

Dr. T.G. Sivaranjani who spoke on the occasion added "Although the burden of cervical cancer is increasing largely in the country, deaths can be prevented if it is screened at early stages. Screening for cancer is known to reduce mortality by early detection and treatment. Most cervical cancer cases are linked to infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). When diagnosed, cervical cancer is one of the most successfully treatable forms of cancer, as long as it is detected early and managed effectively. Cancers diagnosed in late stages can also be controlled with appropriate treatment and palliative care. With a comprehensive approach to prevent, screen, and treat, we can end cervical cancer as a public health problem within a few generations. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that the HPV vaccine be given to girls and boys between ages 9 and 14 receive two doses of HPV vaccine at least six months apart. Research has shown that the two-dose schedule is effective for children under 15. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. It was a good opportunity for us to raise awareness about cervical cancer, screening and HPV vaccination".

Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals, Pallikaranai conducted a Walkathon on Nov 9, 2022 from their Hospital in Pallikaranai to highlight the awareness of Stroke among the general public. The Walkathon was inaugurated by Mr. N. Kumar, TPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Tambaram city in the presence of Dr. T.G. Govindarajan, Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Group of Hospitals. Around 50 members participated enthusiastically in the event which included Senior Doctors, specialists, Nurses, paramedical staff among others. Also, participating in the Walkathon were Dr. T.G. Sivaranjani - Director and Dr. K.M. Radhakrishnan - Advisor.

Senior Neurologists Dr. Rajeshwari Ramachandran and Dr. Praveen Chander who also participated pointed out that, "According to the National Library of Medicine (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) The burden of stroke is increasing in India. Stroke is now the fourth leading cause of death and the fifth leading cause of disability. Previous research suggests that the estimated adjusted prevalence rate of stroke range 84- 262/100,000 in rural and 334-424/100,000 in urban areas. The incidence rate is 119-145/100,000 based on the recent population-based studies. According to a study by healthdata.org, the cause of death on account of Stroke had increased from 2009 to 2019 by 28.4%. There is therefore a crying need to educate and spread awareness among the public on this subject."

Speaking about the event and stroke awareness in general, Dr. T.G. Govindarajan said, "October 29th is observed as world stroke day every year. Stroke is one among the leading cause of disability worldwide and it is also the one among the top common causes for death among the elderly. Stroke is said to occur when the blood flow to the brain stops suddenly either due to a blockage or due to leakage. In either case, it is an emergency and needs to be attended immediately. Stroke symptoms are being underrecognized and are unattended when compared to its counterpart cardiac symptoms for which a high level of awareness is there. The need of the hour is built AWARENESS of Stroke, its symptoms and the immediate assistance during the Golden Hour which can save many lives. This Walkathon is a attempt in that direction and I hope this message reached the public at large."

AROI's 37th Annual Conference of Radiation Oncologists (AROICON 2022)

Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals hosted the conference with 'Strategic Science of Radiation Oncology as the theme on Sep. 24th & 25th.

Dr.Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals in collaboration with the Association of Radiation Oncologists in India, hosted AROICON 2022, the 37th annual conference TN & PY Chapter at ITC Grand Chola on September 24th & 25th with the theme "Strategic Science of Radiation Oncology". The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Dr. Vijay Anand Reddy, Chair, AROI, who released the Souvenir and gave the inaugural address in the presence of other dignitaries

The organizing board from Dr. KMH includes the hospital's Founder and Chairman, Dr.T. G. Govindarajan who has dedicated the last twenty years towards building a cancer care unit that caters to patients of all economical strata. Also on the organizing board are Dr. KMHs Chief Radiation Oncologist Dr. Surendran J and the Director of Operations & Finance Dr. T. G. Sivaranjani Govindarajan. They are joined by the AROI TN-PY Chapter President Dr. S Alex A Prasad, Secretary Dr. Saritha Damodaran, and other core members. Amongst the key speakers at the main event is Dr. Sarat Chander, MD, FRANZCR from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia. His technical expertise lies in Brachytherapy and Stereotactic Radiotherapy for Liver, Spine, and Bone metastasis.

Says their Organizing Chairperson Dr. T.G. Sivaranjani, "AROICON 2022 aims at sharing knowledge on the recent developments in the treatment of cancer through radiation therapy in this conference. This also includes a special preconference workshop held on September 23rd in Active Breathing Coordinator (ABC) a deep inspiration breath-hold a technique that improves precision in treating cancers of the Breast, Lungs, and Liver through radiation therapy. More than 300 delegates from all over India and Abroad are attending this conference which spans 20 sessions for two days."

Adds their Organizing Chief Patron Dr. T.G. Govindarajan, "Dr. KMH has been providing complete cancer care since 2000 and has since treated hundreds of patients through radiation therapy. We have the largest number of visiting radiation oncologists treating cancer at all sites using radiotherapy. Dr. KMH has hosted four other international medical conferences including AROI-ESTRO, IBS, and 2 Physics Symposiums. In 2021, The Radiation Oncology department at Dr. KMH received an upgrade with Elekta Infinity that comes built-in with various features to enhance the precision and intensity of radiation doses. This makes Dr. KMH a suitable host for the 37th AROICON 2022 annual conference, which took place on September 24 & 25, 2022."

About Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals, Chennai

Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals is a 300 bedded tertiary health care provider located at Pallikaranai in South Chennai, committed to a higher objective of delivering quality health care with utmost excellence and personal care. Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals is also a nationally recognized forerunner and one of the premier institutions in providing Cancer and Cardiac care. It houses highly educated scholars across all specialties who are globally trained and equipped with advanced technology and infrastructure to deliver holistic medical service across the clock, around the year.

Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals has opened another multispeciality facility in Shastri Nagar. According to a press release, it is the fourth centre in Chennai after Pallikaranai, Medavakkam and Pallavaram. The hospital's chairman Dr. T.G. Govindarajan says: "It is a 24/7 centre. Ambulances, pharmacy and laboratories are available. The hospital also offers the service of collecting samples from home. Likewise, care for elders is offered at their doorsteps as part of treatment for select ailments." The speciality includes cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, general medicine, orthopaedics, dermatology, cancer and some more, adds the release.

For details, call 89392 37775.

According to the press release from Dr Kamakshi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Pallikaranai, Chennai, Dr Maria Susan Abraham, student of DNB Family Medicine 2020 Batch from Dr Kamakshi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research has been declared a Gold Medalist among the list of Gold Medalists released for the 21st Convocation of National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

Says their spokesperson "Maria Susan Abraham, daughter of Abraham N Mathew was a bright student amongst the students pursuing DNB Family Medicine at Dr Kamakshi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (KIMSR) Pallikaranai Chennai which is a premier institute committed to academic excellence. KIMSR was established in the year 2010 by Dr TG Govindarajan, Chairman of Dr Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals with a vision of generating qualified human resources for the healthcare industry."

As per the institute's website www.kmhinstitute.com and the sources within the institute, KIMSR is affiliated with The Tamil Nadu Dr M. G. R Medical University under the Allied Health Sciences stream. The courses offered range from B.Sc Radiography and Imaging Technology (RIT), B.Sc Radiotherapy technology (RTT) and B.Sc Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT). The RIT and RTT courses are duly approved by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board, Govt. of India, which enables students to be accepted for work across India.

The institute also offers Diploma in National board courses (DNB, 2011) on Radiodiagnosis and Family medicine, besides implant training, short-term and long-term training programs for Biomedical Engineering, Nursing, Medical physics students of various other institutions and colleges in and around Chennai. Recently, KIMSR started M.Sc., Radiology and Imaging Technology course under The Tamil Nadu Dr M.G.R Medical University, and many more such courses are in the pipeline. Similarly, few more DNB courses are planned shortly on rare specialities.

According to Dr TG Govindarajan, "The institute has the unique distinction of placing its students in the Health Care sector both in India and Abroad. The institute is an additional facility of Dr Kamakshi Memorial Hospital Pvt. Ltd., founded in 2005 as a centre for excellence in Health Care. The hospital is a 300 bedded Multi Super Specialty facility at Pallikaranai, situated in the southern part of Chennai, spread over 60 grounds land and 75000 square ft. building area with world-class facilities and state of art equipment that provide hands-on experience to students of KIMSR who come out well equipped for jobs in the burgeoning Health Care Sector across the world."

For more details, visit: www.kmhinstitute.com and www.drkmh.com

A new-born infant went through a one-of-its-kind surgery in the neonatal unit of Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital and has recovered fully. After 100 days of intensive care, the new-born had to be taken in for surgery for Persistent Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia.

Kannan and Nivitha were blessed with a lovely baby girl earlier this year. However, their joy was short-lived. Four hours after birth, the attending nurse noticed that the new-born had turned blue from lack of oxygen. The neonate had stopped breathing and was immediately rushed to the Neonatal ICU at the hospital. She was revived but the situation was quite dire when she was tested with hypoglycemia or extremely low blood sugar levels. The NICU staff headed by Dr. Vaideeswaran (Consultant Neonatologist) started her off on IV glucose but the new-born's sugar levels remained dangerously low. Glucose Infusion Rate was raised from 6 to 8 mg/kg/min, then 10 mg/kg/min and finally 12 mg/kg/min. With insulin levels soaring she was diagnosed with Persistent Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia.

Explains Dr. Vaideeswaran, 'Persistent hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in a neonate is relatively rare. Immediate treatment is absolutely necessary in order to save the child from long lasting severe neurological damage. If the situation does not improve it could lead to mental or psychomotor retardation and even prove life-threatening.'

The new-born remained in the NICU for 100 days where her glucose levels and other vitals were constantly monitored. Understanding that every minute counts, the team of doctors at the hospital embarked on an investigative route to find the best suited treatment modality - genetic analysis, endocrine work-up and trials with Hydrocortisone, Diazoxide and Octreotide. The DOTA NOC scan that was conducted revealed Diffuse Nesidioblastosis which is characterized by excessive insulin production by pancreatic beta cells that have an abnormal microscopic appearance. This diagnosis indicated that the only way to save the baby was Total Pancreatectomy. The parents who were already in a state of emotional trauma, had misgivings on the impact of surgery on their new-born and if she would survive it. Multiple hypoglycemic episodes indicated the urgent need for surgery. The new-born's condition worsened and she needed to be ventilated twice for Aspiration Pneumonia and Pericardial Effusion. Realising that the drugs and the IV glucose was not giving satisfactory responses, the parents finally consented to surgery.

Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital's Paediatric Surgeon Dr. Moorthy headed the surgery, and a Total Pancreatectomy was performed on the three-month old baby. This kind of procedure on an infant involves high risk and needs to be conducted with absolute precision. The surgery was a complete success and when she was finally discharged, she was well on her way to recovery. The parents were more than happy to show their gratitude to the doctors and staff at Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital who left no stone unturned to save their baby with a token of love.

Speaking about the 100-day long treatment and the successful surgery, Dr. Vaideeswaran says, "After the procedure, the baby is doing fine. She has not had any hypoglycemic episodes and her periodic check-ups have also shown that she is in good health now. Surgery was the only option to ensure she did not sustain a neurological damage that would impede her growth and development. She does need to come in for monthly check-ups because we need to ensure she is achieving developmental milestones and monitoring her sugar levels is a long-term requirement. If at all she develops diabetes in childhood, it can definitely be managed. We are happy to have been able to help her battle this condition and come out healthy."

About Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital

Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospital was established in 2005 by Dr. TG Govindarajan, Founder and Chairman. It is a 75000 square feet 300 bedded multi-specialty hospital at Pallikaranai, Chennai. The hospital is fully equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and expert doctors in every department besides 24/7 emergency services, pharmacy, online consultation, high tech diagnostic and imaging facilities, fully sanitized premises and a support staff that does not hesitate to go the extra mile. The mission of the hospital is to provide quality health care to everyone and it strongly stands by the same.

For details please visit: Paediatrics

TN Minister For Medical & Family Welfare Thiru MA. Subramanian Inaugurates Elekta Infinity, The State Of Art Linear Accelerator Cancer Radiotherapy Equipment At Dr Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals, Pallikaranai. Thirumathi Thamizhachi Thangapandian MP & Thiru Aravind Ramesh MLA also participated in the event as the Guests of Honour.

This Equipment is the only Linear Accelerator in Tamil Nadu to be equipped with Active Breathing Coordinator (ABC) feature that protects Heart, Lungs and surrounding tissues which move with natural respiration while treating Breast and Lung Cancers

Chennai, 29th Aug. 2021: Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals inaugurated Elekta Infinity, its newly commissioned Linear Accelerator and the latest cutting edge technology in Cancer Radiotherapy Treatment. The facility was inaugurated on August 29, 2021 by HON'BLE THIRU MA. SUBRAMANIAN, Minister for Health and Family welfare, Government of Tamil Nadu in the august presence of THIRUMATHI THAMIZHACHI THANGAPANDIAN, Member of Parliament & THIRU ARAVIND RAMESH, Member of Legislative Assembly, Sholinganallur (Guests of Honour).

Dr. T.G. Govindarajan, Founder Chairman and Managing Director spoke about the genesis of this Hospital tracing its dedication especially to Cancer Treatment and its bid to break the hitherto handheld myth that cancer was incurable and its determined mission driven by a passion to make cancer treatment available to all strata of the Society at affordable cost levels. According to Dr. T.G Govindarajan, The Elekta Infinity Linear Accelerator with its varied applications and add on features which has been installed at a total cost of around Rs. 20 Crores is arguably the finest quality of Radiotherapy Equipment available today and a real boon to Cancer Patients. Among its highlights, it is the only machine in Tamil Nadu to have been uniquely equipped with Active Breathing Coordinator (ABC) feature which ensures that the normal and healthy tissues surrounding the Heart, Lungs and other organs that move with natural respiration are protected from beams of radiation while treating Breast and Lung cancers.

Dr. T.G. Govindarajan also briefed the gathering on the subtle and salient features of this Equipment. The Elekta Infinity offers Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), a novel Radiotherapy Technique delivering Speed and utmost precision in treating the tumour to the millimetre precision with negligible damage to the surrounding tissues. Besides this, it has other features like Active Breathing Coordinator ™ for Respiratory motion management, BodyFIX ® patient immobilization for Precise patient positioning and immobilization, Fraxion ™ for Patient-Specific Cranial Immobilization and Symmetry ™ for 4D tumor Position visualization all of which ensure delivery of high doses in short periods of time thereby reducing the duration of the treatment and increasing its efficiency. This state of art equipment can be used in treatment of Breast Cancer, Uterine Cervix Cancer, Brain Tumors, Prostate Cancer, Tumors in the Liver & Lungs and even Pediatric Cancers.

Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals' Oncology team is a dedicated 40-member team of Doctors, 20 from Radiation oncology, five each from Surgical oncology and Medical oncology, and 10 Senior consultants from Neurosurgery, Gynaecology, ENT, Urology, Gastroenterology Pulmonology, Radiology Pathology, Thoracic Surgery and Geriatrics. They cover both diagnostics and treatment methodologies namely surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The Hospital provides total cancer care under one roof and each member of the team has a contribution at different points of time in the treatment of cancer. No stone is left unturned to ensure the patient recovers fully.

To make this high end treatment available to all sections of Society, Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals also offers this under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance (Tamil Nadu Government's Maruthuva Kapitu Thittam).

For more details visit www.drkmh.com/linac