CANCER CASES IN DUBAI

How many cases?

In 55 2019, Dubai Hospital received

new childhood

cancer cases out of which 56 per cent suffered from Leukaemia or Lymphoma. On average, the hospital receives 50 new children with cancer every year.

Treatment

Dr Hani Humad, Senior Specialist at Dubai Hospital’s Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Department, said while cancer in children can be cured, delayed diagnosis greatly affects survival rates. That is why it is important to raise awareness among parents, about the early warning signs for cancer in children.

What are early warning signs?

Parents should seek medical attention when children suffer from: Abdominal swelling.

■

Eye changes (white pupil.

■ squint, swelling around the eyes etc..).

Lumps in:

Abdomen and pelvis, head and

■ neck, limbs, testes, glands. Unexplained prolonged fever

■ for over two weeks. Unexplained loss of weight,

■ paleness, fatigue, easy bruising or bleeding.

Aching bones, joints, back, and

■ easy fractures.

Neurological signs:

Change or deterioration in walk,

■ balance or speech. Regression of milestones.

■ Headache for more than

■ two weeks with or without vomiting.

Enlarging head.

■

Dubai Hospital’s Paediatric Haematology and Oncology Department yesterday said it has achieved a cure rate of 88.5 per cent among children who suffer from cancer. The international average is 85-90 per cent.