New Delhi: Childhood cancer remains one of the leading causes of disease-related deaths in children globally. It accounts for less than 5% of all cancers. Each year, approximately 400,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer, with over 75,000 new cases emerging in India alone. However, it is essential to understand that childhood cancers are significantly different in terms of presentation, treatment, and prognosis when compared to adult cancers. The prognosis is often optimistic. Advanced cancer treatments have achieved cure rates as high as 90% in high-income nations. Unfortunately, for resource-limited and developing countries cure rate is 30-40%, which underscores the pressing need to bridge the gap in healthcare access and quality.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Vinay Munikoty Venkatesh, Consultant – Paediatric Haematology Oncology and BMT, Manipal Hospital, Yeshwanthpur, listed the many factors that contribute to this rise in childhood cancer cases.
Identifying Key Challenges in Childhood Cancer Care
- Delayed Diagnosis: Delayed diagnosis is one of the greatest challenges in the management of childhood cancers mainly attributed to a lack of awareness among families and general practitioners, leading to multiple consultations before a child is referred to a paediatric oncologist. In general, there is a delay of 6-8 weeks from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis.
- Lack of Referral Systems: The absence of clear routes for immediate referral from family doctor to paediatric oncologist often results in unnecessary healthcare expenditures and delays in care.
- Social and Cultural Barriers: Certain social and cultural factors, including geographic location with no access to robust healthcare, can hinder timely access to treatment.
- Financial Hurdles: The financial burden of treatment is a significant concern for many families. Investment in healthcare infrastructure, abreast insurance policies and other supportive policies can alleviate these concerns, making treatments more accessible and affordable.
- Abandonment of Treatment: In the majority of the cases premature abandonment of treatment protocols, severely impacts survival rates.
- Access to Innovative Therapies: While advancements in treatment—such as immunotherapy and gene therapy—have shown promise, access to these cutting-edge options is often delayed in lower-resource settings.
The Path Forward: A Collective Responsibility
‘Unveiling Challenges’ highlighted the need for a united effort in the fight against childhood cancer. No child should be denied appropriate treatment due to systemic barriers. Community engagement is crucial, emphasising that effective care requires collaboration among families, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
- Raising Awareness: Education initiatives targeting communities and healthcare professionals are vital to improve early detection and streamline referrals. Increased awareness can lead to quicker diagnoses, enhancing treatment outcomes.
- Strengthening Healthcare Systems: Establishing comprehensive referral networks and healthcare pathways will not only improve access to specialised care but also reduce unnecessary costs for families.
- Promoting Research and Funding: Investing in childhood cancer research is essential to discover better treatment options and reduce side effects. Additionally, securing funding for treatment can help ensure that all children receive the care they deserve, regardless of their financial situation.
- Supportive Policies: Advocacy for governmental and NGO support to subsidize treatment costs will further ease the financial burden on families. Policy changes must prioritize equitable access to quality care for all children.
Conclusion
By sharing insights, experiences, and a collective commitment to action, we can pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for these children. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child; let us come together to ensure no child fights cancer alone. Together, we can make a difference and improve outcomes for every child battling this disease.
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