Updated Feb 15, 2021 | 12:30 IST
Worldwide there are more than 2,00,000 new cases of childhood cancer per year, 70 per cent of these occur in the developing world. In India, the commonest malignancy in children is leukaemia. Childhood Cancer: Signs and symptoms to be wary of to detect early age cancer and how to identify them | Photo Credit: iStock Images
New Delhi: Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in the world. Cancer can affect anyone, at any age, though the risk of every type of cancer depends on various factors. Cancer is also common among children, leading to poor quality of life, reduced survival rates, and extensive need for treatment among children. International Childhood Cancer Day is observed on the 15th of February, every year to spread awareness about childhood cancers, and the need for better care and treatments for the same. In this article, Dr Priti S. Mehta, Pediatric Hematologist-Oncologist at Masina Hospital, sha
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Durban - International Childhood Cancer Day, on February 15, hopes to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to support children and adolescents with cancer, as well as survivors and their families.
The campaign also highlights the need for more equitable access to treatment and care for all children with cancer.
Globally, every year, more than 400 000 children and adolescents under 20, are diagnosed with cancer. The rate of survival depends on the region, with at least 80% survival in most high-income countries but as low as 20% only in low- and middle-income countries.
The South African Children’s Tumour Registry reports about 1 000 new cases a year for children under the age of 16. This is an increase from 10 years ago. The survival rate of children in South Africa is about 55% and seems to be on the rise.