Santo Domingo. – This Saturday, February 15, the World Childhood Cancer Daya date established in 2001 by the International Organization of Childhood Cancer (CCI) to sensitize the population about the importance of early detection, access to appropriate treatments and integral accompaniment to patients and patients and their families.
Cancer is one of the main causes of death in children and adolescents worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately are diagnosed every year 400,000 cases of childhood cancerand although medical advances have improved survival rates in many countries, in low and medium income nations access to treatments remains a challenge.
Situation of child cancer in RD
In the Dominican Republic, childhood cancer is one of the main concerns in pediatric health. According to hospital statistics, in the country they were diagnosed 339 cases of cancer in boys and girls in the last yearbeing the most common types:
- Leukemia: It represents more than 50 % of child cancer cases.
- Lymphomas: Second most common type, affects the lymphatic system.
- Brain tumors: They affect the central nervous system.
- Retinoblastomas: Ocular cancer that usually occurs in children under five.
- Sarcomas and abdominal tumors: They affect bones, muscles and internal organs.
Despite the advances in diagnosis and treatment, the lack of equitable access to medicines, specialists and medical equipment remains a challenge in the country.
Pain management, an essential aspect
The doctor Ángela Marmolejosspecialist in pain and palliative care, he emphasized that the pain management It is a fundamental component in the treatment of childhood cancer, because not only relieves the patient’s suffering, but also improves his quality of life.
«The impact of pain on a child with cancer is devastating, not only at the physical, but also emotional and psychological level. Sensitivity multiplies when a child or adolescent suffers due to chronic disease such as cancer, ”said Marmolejos.
The specialist stressed the importance of integral palliative careespecially in patients in an advanced state of the disease.
“It is crucial to guarantee a continuous and specialized accompaniment, which not only includes the relief of pain, but also emotional and psychosocial support for the patient and her family,” said the doctor, who is also CEO of Palliaa project specialized in pain management, palliative care and home assistance.
Survival and early detection: an urgent challenge
WHO estimates that 80 % of children with cancer can survive If they receive an early diagnosis and proper treatment. However, in countries with limited resources, the survival rate is lower than the 30 % Due to factors such as late diagnosis, lack of access to therapies and the absence of specialized medical infrastructure.
Marmolejos insisted that, in the Dominican Republic, it is essential to strengthen the awareness campaigns on the importance of Early diagnosissince this could significantly improve the survival and quality of life of patients.
«Detecting cancer in time is key to increasing the success rate in treatments. It is necessary to educate society and health professionals about the importance of identifying the first signs of the disease and implementing appropriate palliative care, ”he said.
Need for greater investment in pediatric health
Pediatric oncology experts have indicated the importance of the country investing more resources in childhood care. Better hospitals are required, greater access to essential medicines and a health system that guarantees free treatments or low cost for families with limited resources.
According to figures from the Ministry of Public Health, The average cost of childhood cancer treatment in the country exceeds 2 million pesos per patientdepending on the type of cancer and the duration of treatment. This represents a challenge for many families, especially those of limited resources.
Call to action
Within the framework of World Childhood Cancer Day, various health organizations have called for action so that government, medical institutions and society in general work together to improve early detection and guarantee decent treatment for all children affected.
«We must not only focus on treating cancer, but also ensuring that children do not suffer unnecessarily. Implementing palliative care allows us to relieve pain and improve its quality of life, ”concluded Marmolejos.
