World Childhood Cancer Day
February 15th of each year has been established as World Childhood Cancer Day, honoring all children and their families who are fighting their own battles, but also raising awareness among the global community about the impact of the disease on children. On the occasion of this day, I would like to emphasize the following:
The prognosis of neoplastic diseases in children has improved over the last 20 years, and the survival of children with cancer in both Western Europe and the United States of America has increased significantly. Despite this, childhood cancer is the second leading cause of death after accidents. In our country, the survival rate of children with all types of cancer reaches 65-75% (the same as in Western Europe and America), while for some, such as lymphoblastic leukemia, it exceeds 80%.
This progress in our country was mainly contributed to by their treatment by a team of specialist pediatricians (Hematologists – Oncologists), their hospitalization in special centers with specialized nursing staff and the use of established treatment protocols. In our country, approximately 250 new cases of children with cancer are diagnosed annually, but this number will increase with the inclusion of adolescents up to the age of 18 under the responsibility of pediatricians, as is the case in many countries. This measure will further improve the prognosis in this group, as has been demonstrated by many comparative studies with superiority when they are treated in pediatric versus adult departments.
A critical factor for the outcome of the disease is undoubtedly early diagnosis. This requires:
- Sufficient information for parents about the suspicious signs and symptoms of cancer in children.
- Sufficient knowledge of the Pediatrician for the immediate referral of young patients to the Pediatric Oncology Department and
- Permanent on-call service of the Pediatric Oncology Clinics (Departments) operating in our country, so that the diagnostic process can begin immediately.
Improving oncological care for minor patients should be a priority for the National Health System. Health and access to it are the right of every child.
