Childhood cancer treatment: early symptoms and cure rates up to 80%

International Childhood Cancer Day, observed annually on February 15th, is a significant global event to highlight the challenges faced by children and adolescents with this disease and to advocate for equitable access to healthcare. With rapid medical advancements, a cancer diagnosis is no longer a final judgment but rather a treatment journey requiring a collaborative medical, psychological, and community effort to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Global statistics and indicators of hope

The Saudi Ministry of Health, coinciding with this international occasion, affirmed that cancer remains a significant health challenge, with estimates indicating that approximately 400,000 children and adolescents under the age of 20 are diagnosed annually worldwide. Despite the enormity of this figure, the Ministry offered a message of reassurance, emphasizing that recovery rates can reach 80% with early diagnosis and comprehensive medical care. This underscores the need to intensify awareness programs to detect the disease in its early stages.

The most common types of cancer and warning signs

Experts explained that knowing the types of cancer and their symptoms is the first step towards successful treatment. The most common cancers in children include:

• Blood cancer (leukemia).
• Brain and nervous system tumors.
• Lymphomas.
• Solid tumors such as neuroblastoma and Wilms tumors.

In this context, Dr. Abrar Al-Junaid, a consultant in pediatrics, hematology, and oncology, and Dr. Faiza Al-Otaibi, a researcher in immunotherapy, stressed the need not to ignore "warning signs" that may seem simple but conceal important indicators, most notably:

• Recurrent fever without a clear cause.
• Extreme paleness and persistent, unexplained fatigue.
• The appearance of easy bruises or frequent bleeding.
• Persistent headaches, especially if accompanied by morning vomiting.
• Swollen lymph nodes or abdominal swelling.
• Persistent bone and joint pain.

Palliative care: A human dimension that goes beyond pain relief

For her part, Dr. Roaa Shaaban, a consultant in pediatric pain and palliative care at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, emphasized that the concept of treatment is no longer limited to chemotherapy or radiotherapy alone. She explained that palliative care is a fundamental pillar of the treatment plan, aiming to improve the quality of life for the child and their family by alleviating physical and psychological suffering and supporting them in coping with the stresses of the long treatment journey, which positively impacts the child's response to treatment.

The role of the school environment and the community

Treatment doesn't end at the hospital walls. Dr. Faiza Al-Otaibi emphasized the pivotal role of the community and the school environment. A child, whether injured or recovering, needs a nurturing and supportive environment that makes them feel safe and helps them reintegrate into normal life. Psychological and social support is crucial in strengthening a child's psychological resilience and strength, reducing anxiety and depression and increasing the chances of a full recovery, God willing.