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THE
Philippine Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO), which
was established in 2000, has taken the lead to fight
childhood cancer in advancing and promoting the practice
of childhood cancer management in the country.
Advances
in cancer diagnosis and treatment have now made
long-term survival and cure a reality for many children
with this disease. This is particularly true in
developed countries where survival rates for children
with cancer reach as high as 80 percent. Unfortunately,
in developing countries, where majority of childhood
cancer are being diagnosed, less than 20 percent of
these survive.
In the
Philippines, it has been estimated that about 3,500
children will be diagnosed with cancer each year. Among
the most common cancers are acute lymphoblastic leukemia
and retinoblastoma (cancer of the eye), accounting for
40 percent to 60 percent of all childhood cancers seen
among Filipino children. Although multimodal management
is available and could potentially cure 50 percent to 80
percent of these children, only about 10 percent to 20
percent actually attain long-term survival.
Many
people around the world believe that cancer is the
workings of fate, or just something that happens to them
if they are unlucky. They believe that they have no
control over their chances of surviving this disease.
However, tobacco use, diet, nutrition and exercise, sun
safety and vaccination against cancer causing viruses
(e.g. Hepatitis B) all play a role in influencing cancer
risk. Simple changes in lifestyle can be taken to reduce
the risk.
Healthy
habits established early in life have a significant
impact in later years, as behavior is already formed
before adolescence. The environment in which children
grow up at home, in school and in the community are very
powerful influences on them. Parents have a key role in
teaching healthy habits to their children. Parents need
to understand the long-term benefits of a healthy
lifestyle and also engage them as partners in cancer
prevention activities early in life.
The
reasons why some patients have a low chance of long-term
survival is that they receive medical attention when the
disease is too advanced and a cure is no longer
possible, or can only be achieved using very expensive
treatments that most patients cannot afford. More often
than not, families will opt not to undergo further
treatment or receive supportive care due to lack of
economic resources. Out of the 20 percent to 30 percent
of children diagnosed early, a significant number are
unable to continue follow-up visits or hospitalization
leading to abandonment of care.
In 2005,
Paul and Sigrid Perez formed a project called “Brave
Kids” after their son, three-year-old Seve Augusto, was
diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The
courageous spirit of Seve and that of many children
undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow aspirations, spinal
taps and blood transfusions inspired the creation of
this project. The project has four core programs: Social
and Family Support, Education, Volunteer and Endowment.
Last
year, the International Union Against Cancer, or Union
Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC), and Sanofi
Aventis spearheaded a global mobilization and awareness
campaign to fight childhood cancer in 10 emerging
countries, including the Philippines, under the theme
“My Child Matters.” UICC is the only international
non-governmental organization that is dedicated to the
global control of cancer.
Its
vision is of a world where cancer is eliminated as a
major life-threatening disease for future generations.
With over 270 member organizations in more than 80
countries, UICC is a resource for action and a voice for
change.
Through
the “My Child Matters” initiative, PSPO developed the
Philippine CanServe Project. It aims to expand awareness
of early detection of cancer, expanding access to
treatment and improving care.
Knowing
the signs can save a child’s life. Since most of the
symptoms of the disease can be interpreted as common
sickness, parents should insist, where possible, that
physicians carry out tests to rule out cancer. Although
there are different types of cancer, at least 85 percent
of all childhood cancers have similar signs and
symptoms, and these include:
1.
Unexplained weight loss and fever.
2.
Paleness.
3.
Headaches often with early morning vomiting.
4.
Unusual swelling and abdominal mass.
5.
Excessive bruising or bleeding.
6. White
glow in the eye and sudden changes in balance or
behavior. |
