Children Cancer Stories by Rukh Yusuf - Blog # 200
I am Rukh Yusuf, Clinical Pharmacist, also specialized in Total Parenteral Nutrition and Bone Marrow Transplant. I have been working in the Pediatric Oncology unit of a public hospital for several years. The mission of this blog is to bring to you the real-life stories of child patients suffering from cancer. Cancer is still a difficult disease to handle and treat. However, when it strikes the children, some so young that they cannot even speak, their agony is beyond expression and words. Let us pray especially for children suffering from cancer for early and complete remission. May Allah shower His Merciful Blessings upon them. Aameen.
15th Feb International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day:
Highlighting the Fight against Childhood Cancer
Every year on February 15th, the world comes together to observe International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. This day aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer, promote research funding, and advocate for the rights of children suffering from this devastating illness. The significance of this event goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it serves as a platform for education, support, and solidarity with young cancer patients and their families.
Understanding Childhood Cancer
Childhood cancer refers to cancers that occur in individuals aged 0 to 19 years and can manifest in various forms, including leukemia, brain tumors, and sarcomas. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), childhood cancer is relatively rare, accounting for about 1% of all cancers. However, it remains a significant public health issue. In 2020, an estimated 400,000 children and adolescents were diagnosed with cancer worldwide, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness, support, and research.
The Statistics: A Glimpse into the Numbers
Recent statistics on childhood cancer underscore the importance of awareness and advocacy. The following are critical data points to consider:
• Survival Rates: The global survival rate for childhood cancer has improved significantly over the last few decades. In high-income countries, around 80% of children diagnosed with cancer are now expected to survive five years or more after diagnosis, compared to around 20% in the early 1970s. Conversely, survival rates in low- and middle-income countries remain dishearteningly low, at about 20-60%.
• Types of Cancer: The most common types of childhood cancer include leukemia (28%), brain tumors (26%), and lymphomas (12%). These cancers require specialized treatment plans and early detection for better prognoses.
• Rising Cases: According to research published in 2022, childhood cancer cases have been steadily rising at an average rate of 0.8% per year globally. This increase is particularly prominent in developing countries, where better diagnostics and awareness are leading to more cases being identified.
Recent Progress and Challenges
Over the past decade, notable progress has been made in the field of childhood cancer treatment and research. Developed nations have implemented several initiatives aimed at improving care and outcomes for children with cancer:
1. Enhanced Treatment Protocols: Advances in clinical trials have led to refined treatment protocols, combining chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapies tailored to the unique biological characteristics of pediatric tumors.
2. Supportive Care: The growing emphasis on holistic care has resulted in better psychological and social support for children and families navigating cancer treatment. This includes counseling services, educational support, and palliative care.
3. Access to Care: Several global initiatives focus on improving access to cancer care in low- and middle-income countries. Programs like the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer aim to increase the survival rate of children with cancer by providing resources and training for healthcare workers.
However, significant challenges remain, particularly in underdeveloped regions. In many countries, access to proper medical facilities, trained healthcare professionals, and effective treatments is severely limited. For instance, while the WHO reports that about 80% of childhood cancer patients survive in high-income countries, fewer than 30% survive in low-income settings.
The reasons for lower survival rates in LMICs include delay in diagnosis, an inability to obtain an accurate diagnosis, inaccessible therapy, abandonment of treatment, death from toxicity (side effects) and avoidable relapse. In country like Pakistan, latest cancer medications are not even registered and hardly available or they are too costly. Improving access to childhood cancer care, including to essential medicines and technologies, is highly cost-effective, feasible and can improve survival in all income settings.
Future Predictions: A Hopeful Outlook
As we look to the future, several developments provide hope for combating childhood cancer:
• Advancements in Research: Ongoing research and clinical trials focused on understanding the genetic and molecular basis of childhood cancers will pave the way for more effective treatments and personalized medicine approaches.
• Increased Global Funding: Awareness events like International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day galvanize support and funding for research initiatives, with many charitable organizations and governments recognizing the urgency of childhood cancer awareness.
• Education and Advocacy: Efforts to educate parents, schools, and communities about early warning signs of childhood cancer will enhance early detection, leading to better outcomes.
Conclusion
International Childhood Cancer Awareness Day serves as a crucial reminder of the challenges faced by young cancer patients globally. While immense strides have been made over the past decade in both developed and developing countries, the fight against childhood cancer continues. Raising awareness, advocating for more funding, and supporting families in their battle against cancer are essential steps toward achieving a future where every child has access to the care and support they deserve. Together, through awareness and action, we can illuminate the path toward a brighter future for children battling cancer.
Lots of prayers for all sick children to recover quickly and never experience their illnesses again. May they lead happy and healthy lives once more. Aameen.