{"id":50411,"date":"2025-05-19T16:13:51","date_gmt":"2025-05-19T10:43:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prevalentindia.in\/index.php\/2025\/05\/19\/l-v-prasad-eye-institute-hosts-7th-whitathon-in-bhubaneswar-to-raise-awareness-for-eye-cancer-in-children\/"},"modified":"2025-05-19T16:13:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-19T10:43:51","slug":"l-v-prasad-eye-institute-hosts-7th-whitathon-in-bhubaneswar-to-raise-awareness-for-eye-cancer-in-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prevalentindia.in\/index.php\/2025\/05\/19\/l-v-prasad-eye-institute-hosts-7th-whitathon-in-bhubaneswar-to-raise-awareness-for-eye-cancer-in-children\/","title":{"rendered":"L.V. Prasad Eye Institute Hosts 7th Whitathon in Bhubaneswar to Raise Awareness for Eye Cancer in Children"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], May 19:<\/strong>\u00a0L. V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) organized the seventh edition of \u2018WHITATHON\u2019 a walk on May 18 at Patia Chowk, Bhubaneswar to raise awareness about the early detection of Retinoblastoma (eye cancer in children). The event commemorates the World Retinoblastoma Awareness Week, observed on the week following the 2nd\u00a0Sunday of the month of May every year. The event was attended by the\u00a0Odia cine stars Mr. Sabyasachi Mishra & Mrs. Archita Sahu who pledged their support for the awareness campaign.<\/p>\n

Dr Devjyoti Tripathy, consultant ophthalmologist at the Mithu Tulsi Chanrai campus, LVPEI, Bhubaneswar spoke on the need to create awareness of the symptoms of retinoblastoma among the public and elaborated, \u201cIt is important that we educate the public, especially young parents about the symptoms of retinoblastoma. Everyone should know that once they notice a white reflex in a child\u2019s eye, they should immediately get it examined by an eye specialist. Early detection and treatment can save the child\u2019s life, eye, and vision.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year, over\u00a0250 enthusiastic\u00a0participants joined the cause, demonstrating strong community support for the event.<\/p>\n

\"LV<\/p>\n

What is retinoblastoma? What is its cause?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Retinoblastoma is a rare eye cancer that primarily affects children under three years of age. It is caused by the loss of the \u201cRB1 gene\u201d which is a tumour suppressor gene whose function is to stop normal cells from turning cancerous. Loss of the function of this gene causes uncontrolled growth of the cells resulting in the development of a malignant tumor.<\/p>\n

Signs Suggestive of Retinoblastoma<\/strong><\/p>\n

Consult an eye specialist immediately if you notice any of these eye signs in children less than 3 years old:<\/p>\n