International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD) is observed on 15th February every year. ICCD is a global campaign to raise awareness about childhood cancers and support children with cancers and their families. The theme for the years 2021 to 2023 campaign is ‘Better survival is achievable through your hands.’ Indeed, survival rates for children with cancer in developing countries are not at par with developed countries have a survival rate of more than 80%.
The focus of the ICCD campaign for 2022 is “Right care at the right time by the right team.” Dr Abhilasha In charge of the Pediatric Oncology unit pointed that, “One of the most important factors in improving outcomes in children is a diagnosis of cancer at an early stage. In fact, we have undertaken a study to look for diagnosis delay and factors responsible for it at our Centre. Our preliminary observations show an average 50 to 60 days of delay from onset of symptoms to diagnosis of cancer. This underscores the importance of awareness of cancer symptoms among parents and primary health workers.”
Similarly, it is crucial that once cancer is suspected, these children should be promptly referred to a dedicated pediatric oncology unit so that the right treatment can be given to them. Dr Abhilasha commented “It is well established worldwide that children with cancer have better chances of getting cured if they are treated in pediatric oncology center where the multidisciplinary team is available, as compared to their treatment in an adult oncology centre. For some cancers, we can achieve over 90 percent of survival rates if they are diagnosed in time”.
Indeed, it is not only the responsibility of parents and health workers but it’s our responsibility as a community to create awareness and help experts triumph over this malady affecting our children. So let us join hands in the fight against childhood cancers, in sync with WHO’s #cure all campaign.
It is noteworthy that the pediatric oncology unit at KLE charitable hospital which was started less than 5 years ago, has treated over 250 children with cancer from the North Karnataka region. Dr Abhilasha who is in charge of the unit said “We treat around 60 to 70 new cases of childhood cancer annually and our cancer survival rate is approximately 70 % which is as good as well-established cancer centers in the country. Treating children inflicted with cancer is a challenging & very delicate issue, families support is paramount in the outcomes pointed Dr. Abhilasha.
Managing the Pediatric Oncology unit is a combined effort of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dieticians, social workers. Dr. Abhilasha acknowledged the constant support of the hospital management team of Dr N S Mahantashetti, Dr M V Jali,, Dr V D Patil, Dr VA Kothiwale, Dr Arif Maldar, the government schemes and not to forget the help of NGOs like Cankids, Leukemia crusaders and local NGOs.”
The first logical step towards a cure is the early detection of cancer. At least 85% of childhood cancer is associated with one of the following warning signs
1. Prolonged and unexplained fever
2. Unusual abdominal mass or swelling in any part of the body
3. Pallor, loss of energy and rapid weight loss
4. Persisting bone pain
5. Unexplained headache often with vomiting
6. Easy bruises and unexplained bleeding
7. Decreased vision and white spot in the eye
