Gladys Iraipi must make a pilgrimage every 20 days from Guarayos to the Oncology Hospital in the Santa Cruz capital in search of care for her daughter Carla. The girl was diagnosed with cancer and every time they arrive at the hospital they sleep in the hospital, because the treatment she receives is outpatient. according to records
from the hospital, the 46 percent of cancers in children detected in the Oncology are leukemiathe most frequent in minors.
The shelter that receives relatives of cancer patients does not provide supplies, so they have to sleep outdoors. “I have to request collaboration for the tickets to travel by busand so that my girl can continue her treatment, because if we don’t come she gets worse”, she laments.
Gladys is a single mother and has three children in her care. From the beginning of Carla’s treatment, she had to sell the assets that she had of hers, which were for the future of her daughters.
He assures that at the beginning, each chemotherapy cost him Bs 9,000.
She must wait for care, because every day the patients in the Oncology have been increasing in recent years, more so after the pandemic.
Every year the number of patients with leukemia increases, which is one of the most diagnosed varieties of cancer in children in the Oncology.
“LThe construction of the hospital is more than 40 years old, it is incredible, it is very precarious.or. We are looking at the roof to see that a tile does not fall off, ”she lamented.
Figueroa indicated that the never-ending problem is the lack of medication supply, since there is always a lack of antibiotics, remedies to stop bleeding or kill bacteria. “Despite the great propaganda of SUS
(Single Health System), of free treatment, unfortunately
In reality, it’s something else,” he said.
These needs are put on the table in the framework of the day Childhood Cancer International, which is remembered every February 15. Oncology patients since yesterday perform different activities. Foundations and groups that also support adult patients joined the activities.
Yesterday Aesthetics Giovanna delivered 30 wigs to women fighting cancer. This was an opportunity to brighten their day and put aside their ailments, so each of the beneficiaries sat in a chair surrounded by balloons and received her wig like a crown. For today the mothers of cancer patients prepare a walk to ask the authorities for more attention to patients who are fighting for their lives.
Little school
The increase in pediatric cancer patients is also reflected in the increase in students enrolled in the hospital school, through which continuity of school education is provided. Each year the little school received an average of 12 school patients; however, in this management doubled the number with 26 new schoolchildren.
The head of the Oncology school, Raquel Becerra, confirmed that this year they broke records in patient enrollment and considered that this is due to the fact that there are many new children who were diagnosed, after the difficulties in care in the pandemic.
Regarding the functioning of the little school, he explained that this year It was agreed with the mothers that the classes will be virtual to avoid the risk of coCovid-19 infection among patients already battling coronavirus.
“Getting infected would be the thing, but for that reason they will spend virtual and one day in person because there are not many at their level,” he clarified. The little school, in addition to having outpatients enrolled who receive care at the Oncology Center, also cares for infants hospitalized in the hospital, to level their academic progress.
In the world
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among children and adolescents worldwide; Approximately 280,000 children between the ages of 0 and 19 are diagnosed with cancer each year, according to the World Health Organization.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that at least 29,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 will be affected by cancer annually. Of these, about 10,000 will die from this disease.
In high-income countries, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured, but in many low- and middle-income countries the cure rate is about 20%.
The impact of childhood cancer translates into years of life lost, greater inequalities and economic difficulties. This can and must change. In Latin America and the Caribbean, it is estimated that at least 29,000 children and adolescents under the age of 19 will be affected by cancer annually. Of these, about 10,000 will die from this disease.
In high-income countries, more than 80% of children affected by cancer are curedn, but in many low- and middle-income countries the cure rate is about 20% The most common childhood cancers are leukemias, brain cancers.
