Childhood cancer is a topic that should be on every parent's radar. Despite the myth that cancer only affects adults, children are also at risk of developing cancer. In Nepal alone, an estimated 500 new cases of childhood cancer are diagnosed every year, and the numbers are increasing. According to Dr. Sucharita Tuladhar, a pediatric cancer specialist, early detection is key to increasing the chances of curing cancer in children.
Unfortunately, due to misconceptions about childhood cancer, many parents do not seek medical attention until it is too late. Common symptoms that may indicate cancer include long-term fever, lumps in the body, small rashes on the skin, long-term pain in the hands and feet, weight loss, abnormal swelling of the stomach, headache in the morning, nausea, and rapid digestion. If you observe any of these symptoms in your child, it is crucial to seek medical attention from a specialist as soon as possible.
One of the challenges with childhood cancer is that many parents do not accept the diagnosis, which can result in leaving the treatment in the middle, decreasing the chances of curing cancer. Therefore, it is important to be aware of childhood cancer and its signs and symptoms to avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment.
While the treatment of childhood cancer can be expensive, it is necessary to prioritize your child's health and seek the necessary medical care. According to the World Health Organization, 85 to 90 percent of childhood cancers in rich countries can be cured. In Nepal, however, only 50% of children with cancer are being treated. Therefore, raising awareness about childhood cancer and the importance of early detection and treatment is critical to improving the cure rates for children with cancer.
Prof. Dr. Ganesh Shah, the Head of the Pediatric Department at Patan Hospital, highlights that childhood cancer can be cured if the disease is diagnosed and treated in time. However, there is a problem of parents leaving the treatment in the middle, which decreases the chances of curing cancer. Therefore, it is necessary for parents to be aware of their children's health conditions and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Early Detection and Treatment
Early detection and treatment play a critical role in improving the chances of curing cancer in children. Childhood cancer can be aggressive, and if left untreated, it can spread quickly, making it harder to treat and reducing the chances of survival.
When cancer is detected early, treatment options are broader, and the chances of success are higher. Early detection allows specialists to choose the most effective treatment plan, which can include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, and medication, among others.
In the case of childhood cancer, early detection is even more important. Children's bodies are still growing and developing, which means they may respond differently to cancer treatments than adults. Children with cancer may also have a higher risk of developing long-term side effects from treatment, such as growth problems, cognitive issues, and secondary cancers. Therefore, it is crucial to detect and treat childhood cancer as early as possible to minimize these risks and improve the chances of successful treatment.
Moreover, early detection can help parents and caregivers prepare for the emotional and financial burden of childhood cancer. Cancer treatment can be lengthy and expensive, and early detection allows families to plan for treatment costs, work with healthcare providers to optimize treatment, and receive the emotional support needed to manage the challenges of childhood cancer. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving the chances of curing childhood cancer. Parents and caregivers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer and seek medical attention from specialists as soon as possible. By detecting and treating childhood cancer early, we can provide children with the best possible chance of a successful outcome and help them live healthy and productive lives.
Final Thought, childhood cancer is a serious issue that needs more attention in Nepal and worldwide. Early detection and treatment significantly increase the chances of curing cancer in children. Therefore, parents must be aware of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer and seek medical attention from specialists as soon as possible. With the right treatment, childhood cancer can be cured, and children can go on to live healthy, productive lives.
