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| Illustration. Children with cancer. (Doc. Canva) |
PEWARTA.CO.ID - In 2020, around 11,000 children in Indonesia were diagnosed with cancer, according to data from Globocan. Dr. Teny Tjitra Sari, SpA(K), a Pediatric Specialist from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia (FKUI), emphasized the importance of early treatment to improve the survival rates of children battling cancer.
"Delays in diagnosis and accessing care are among the primary factors contributing to the low cancer recovery rate among children in Indonesia," said Dr. Teny during an online talk organized by the National General Hospital Cipto Mangunkusumo (RSCM) Jakarta, as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday (22/10/2024).
"Therefore, recognizing and detecting cancer in children early is key to successful treatment. The sooner it’s treated, the more effective it will be, and the higher the chances of survival," she added.
Although childhood cancer is relatively rare, it remains a significant threat. Childhood cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and spread to other organs within the body.
Dr. Teny, who practices at RSCM Jakarta, explained that the most common cancers found in children are blood cancer (leukemia) and eye cancer (retinoblastoma).
However, only about 20-30 percent of children with cancer can be cured. The main cause is often a delay in seeking medical care, which is frequently related to the high cost of treatment.
"The burden of childhood cancer is quite heavy, especially in developing countries like Indonesia, because cancer treatment is complex and often requires substantial financial resources," Dr. Teny explained.
The importance of early detection and awareness of symptoms
Childhood cancer falls into the category of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which are deeply concerning. However, early detection and proper management of emerging symptoms can significantly increase the chances of recovery. Dr. Teny reminded parents to always monitor their children’s health, especially if they notice suspicious symptoms.
Unlike adult cancers, which are often preventable, childhood cancer cannot be avoided, as cancer cells are often already present in the body at birth.
Symptoms of cancer in children vary depending on the type of cancer, but there are several general signs to be aware of. These include pale skin, unexplained weakness, bruising without cause, lumps in the body, changes in the eyes, and severe headaches.
When childhood cancer reaches an advanced stage, doctors often recommend palliative care. This form of treatment aims to improve the patient's quality of life by reducing pain and addressing physical, spiritual, and social challenges they may face.
Palliative care can begin as soon as the patient is diagnosed with cancer, though it is typically aimed at those with late-stage cancer.
"At the hospital or healthcare facility, patients undergo exams such as CT Scans or MRIs. Then, we provide palliative or supportive therapy based on the patient's needs," Dr. Teny clarified.
"The therapy is the same as for adults. We administer anticancer drugs, surgery, or radiotherapy as needed. The principle is multidisciplinary care," she added.
Dr. Teny also highlighted the importance of teaching children about healthy lifestyles and proper nutrition. Although a healthy lifestyle cannot prevent childhood cancer, it remains essential for reducing cancer risks in adulthood.
"Healthy living and good nutrition should still be taught to children so they can avoid cancer later in life," Dr. Teny concluded.
Understanding the significance of early detection and maintaining children's health can increase the chances of combating cancer, providing hope for a brighter future.
