High Success Rate in Treating Childhood Cancers
Prof. Dr. Yellow, in a statement on the occasion of International Childhood Cancer Day, highlighted the alarming statistics surrounding childhood cancer. He revealed that 20 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer each year, with 400 thousand of those cases affecting children. In Turkey, it was noted that between 3-4 thousand children are diagnosed with cancer annually, representing about 2 percent of all cancer cases in the country.
International Childhood Cancer Day, observed on February 15, has been a platform since 2002 for raising awareness and ensuring access to the right treatment for pediatric cancer patients. Dr. Yellow emphasized the challenges in diagnosing childhood cancers, which present differently from adult cancers. While lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancers are more common in adults, childhood cancers often manifest as leukemia, lymphomas, and brain tumors.
Symptoms of childhood cancer may be subtle and difficult to identify, leading to delayed diagnosis. Dr. Yellow stressed the importance of recognizing warning signs such as prolonged fever, weight loss, weakness, swelling, severe headaches, and unexplained bruises in children.
Advancements in treatment have significantly improved success rates in childhood cancers, with developed countries achieving over 80 percent success. In Turkey, the success rate has surpassed 70 percent, indicating progress in providing accessible treatment for pediatric cancer patients. Treatment approaches vary, with chemotherapy being a primary choice for leukemia and lymphoma, while other tumors may require surgery and radiotherapy. Targeted treatments and stem cell transplants are also becoming integral parts of cancer care for children.
Dr. Yellow highlighted the comprehensive and continuous treatment process provided to pediatric cancer patients, citing the case of their youngest patient at just 6 months old. From infants to adolescents up to 18 years of age, all patients receive personalized care and follow-up treatments. Various tumors affecting infants, such as those in the adrenal glands, kidney, liver, and brain, present unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
On International Childhood Cancer Day and beyond, efforts continue to raise awareness, improve access to treatment, and enhance outcomes for young cancer patients worldwide.
