Every Day, More Than 1000 Children are Diagnosed with Cancer

The International Childhood Cancer Day is celebrated every year on February 15, to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by children and adolescents with cancer, survivors, and their families. This information comes from the Facebook page of Yerevan State Medical University.

The "Heratsi" analytical center addresses the topic noting that in September 2018, the WHO announced a new initiative to combat childhood cancer, aiming to achieve at least a 60% survival rate for children with cancer by 2030, thereby saving one million more lives. This new goal doubles the global treatment rate for children with cancer.

Every day, over 1000 children are diagnosed with cancer. In high-income countries, more than 80% of children survive the disease. However, for many children living in low or middle-income countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region and beyond, the reality is sadly different, often resulting in death. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents.

The likelihood of survival after a childhood cancer diagnosis depends on the country in which the child lives: in high-income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer are treated, whereas in many low and middle-income countries, that figure is less than 30%.

With early detection, cancer is more likely to respond to effective treatment and lead to higher survival rates, reduced complications, and often cheaper and less intensive treatment. Significant improvements can be made in the lives of children with cancer by detecting cancer early and avoiding delays in care. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for the treatment of children with cancer, as each type requires a specific treatment regimen that may include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

Childhood cancer is associated with several warning signs, such as fever, persistent and severe headaches, bone pain, and weight loss, which can be identified by families and qualified primary care practitioners. Early diagnosis is critical in all cases and improves survival rates for various cancers. Programs that promote early and accurate diagnosis have been successfully implemented in countries at all income levels, often through the joint efforts of governments, civil society, and non-governmental organizations, with parental groups playing a key role.