Closing the care gap in paediatric cancer
APPROXIMATELY 400,000 annual cases of cancer in children and adolescents occur worldwide, 80 per cent of which are in lowincome and middle-income countries (LMICs). In most high-income countries, such as the USA and Canada, the survival of children with cancer is >8 per cent. Advances in childhood cancer have not benefitted children with cancer in LMICs where survival may range from five to 60 per cent. Very limited financing and access to care account for the stark differences in the survival of children with cancer.
Causes of avoidable deaths from childhood cancers in LMICs are due to lack of diagnosis/misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis often with advanced disease at presentation, obstacles to accessing care, abandonment of treatment, death from toxicity of treatment due to poor supportive care and higher rates of relapse (the disease coming back).
In September 2018 WHO announced a new effort – the WHO Global Initiative on Childhood Cancer – with the aim of reaching at least a 60-percent survival rate for children with cancer by 2030, thereby saving an additional one million lives. This new target represented a doubling of the global cure rate for children with cancer.
Achieving this goal will require prioritisation of childhood cancers at the global and national levels, increased funding, and stronger health systems.
What can we do to advance the outcome of our children with cancer?
As shown in other regions childhood cancer is very curable. However, early detection is key. A low level of awareness of paediatric cancer exists in our society.
Improved recognition of signs of childhood cancer at all levels is needed; early detection is key to saving more lives. Warning signs include persistent high fevers or illness that doesn’t go away, unusual lump or swelling, constant headaches often with vomiting, fatigue (easily tired), swelling of the belly, bone pain, eye changes, bruising or bleeding.
On a national scale, all children diagnosed with cancer should be treated under universal health coverage regardless of which facility they are treated at to reduce the financial burden on families. Out
of pocket expenses should be halted to prevent catastrophic expenses that may contribute to treatment abandonment.
Focus has to be given to expanding services for children with cancer – getting more trained specialists (paediatric oncologists, surgeons, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists), improved reagents for diagnosis, constant supply of drugs (no stockout), access to surgery, radiotherapy, consideration to palliative care and effective pain control when children can no longer be cured.
Be an advocate for children with cancer. Childhood cancer advocacy is important to help raise awareness about the need for better treatments and access to care. We can all play a role in this.
Steps you can take:
1. Educate yourself: Learn about childhood cancer, its causes, treatments, and impact on families. Keep up-to-date with the latest research and news in this area.
2. Raise awareness: Spread awareness about childhood cancer by sharing information and stories on social media, in your community, and at events. Participate in events like Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September.
3. Support families: Offer support to families affected by childhood cancer. You can do this by volunteering your time at a local hospital or charity, providing meals or transportation, or simply offering emotional support.
4. Advocate for better policies: Advocate for policies that support childhood cancer research, access to treatment, and funding. Write letters to your elected officials, sign petitions, and attend rallies or events that support these causes.
5. Fundraise: Raise money for childhood cancer research and support programs by organizing events, participating in charity runs or walks, or by setting up a fundraising page.
6. Be a voice for children with cancer: Speak out on behalf of children with cancer and their families. Use your platform to raise awareness and advocate for change.
7. Donate: Consider making a donation to a childhood cancer charity or research organization. Even small donations can make a big difference in the lives of children with cancer.
Changing the world starts with each of us. Together let’s make it happen.