The phrase “CANCER” can ship chills down the backbone, the second it’s uttered and when most cancers impacts a toddler, it’s virtually sudden and unacceptable, usually assumed to be a fable nonetheless, it’s excessive time that we handle this concern with information, so that every one of us within the society can contribute to attaining higher survival charges for childhood cancers. We ought to take part in supporting these kids morally, socially, medically and financially to dispel all of the myths and taboos surrounding this time period.
Childhood Cancer: Health skilled dispels myths and taboos, shares vital information you must know (Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash)
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Prerna Nesargi, Consultant Pediatric Hemato-Oncologist and BMT Physician at BGS Gleneagles Global Hospital in Bengaluru, shared, “Yes, it’s TRUE that cancers in children are very rare but they are the most common cause of non-infectious mortality in children. In India, which is densely populated, it contributes to 26% of the global burden. While this translates to significant numbers, it varies geographically in different types. The present data is taken from cancer registries across the nation, which barely represents the tip of the iceberg. Despite having such significant numbers, people are often unaware, leading to delayed medical attention. This can influence the chances of better treatment, survival, and increased spread/complications that can significantly compromise the outcomes.”
Revealing that kids, together with newborns, are in danger in comparison with adults who’ve a number of environmental and way of life danger components for growing most cancers, Dr Prerna Nesargi stated, “In children, it’s primarily a genetic disease. However, only less than 2-5% is inherited, meaning the disease was inherited from parents. Nonetheless, a small proportion is influenced by environmental factors such as exposure to carcinogenic chemicals, ionizing radiation and certain viral infections. Childhood cancers are generally very aggressive compared to those in adults. They are managed in a multimodal manner, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. They are highly chemo-sensitive, giving them an advantage over adult cancers in terms of curability and a second chance at normalcy. In fact, some forms of childhood cancer stand a chance of 95% cure rates (as per Western data; we in India are not far behind). However, these children do need support- medically, socially, financially and nutritionally.”
Asserting that they require tender loving care to realize optimum outcomes, Dr Prerna Nesargi prompt, “This is only possible when more people are aware, from parents to teachers, siblings to friends. Overall, childhood cancers can readily be detected and treated in India. Efforts are being made to make treatments very affordable over time, thanks to indigenous efforts by our medical and scientific community. This makes detection and treatment affordable and accessible to larger sections of society. Therefore, let’s pledge to work towards being supportive of this cause and to raise awareness.”
Dr Prerna Nesargi dispelled widespread myths and taboos and highlighted vital information about childhood most cancers that you must know –
MythsFacts
1. Cancer is contagious
No, it doesn’t unfold to others like some infections; you’ll be able to positively hug them.
2. Cancers in kids are inherited from their dad and mom.
Only 2-5percentof childhood cancers are inherited from the household. Parents ought to cease feeling responsible.
3. Curability may be very low in childhood most cancers.
No, in comparison with adults, success / remedy charges are superior, virtually 90-95% in lots of varieties.
4. Cancer survivors do not require any extra remedy.
Follow-up care is a should for wholesome residing.
5. Tumors are all malignant.
No, each benign tumors requiring minimal care exist.
6. Never inform kids immediately that they’ve most cancers.
No, warriors must be ready and cooperate to battle the battle. Honesty is the most effective coverage.
7. Children with most cancers won’t ever have regular lives.
No, there are lots of survivors amongst us who’re residing life to the fullest.
8. Hair loss in kids on account of chemotherapy is everlasting
No, nothing is everlasting, and the identical applies to hair. Be assured of lustrous hair post-therapy
9. Childhood most cancers brings down their immunity perpetually
Not Completely, they regain regular immunity 4 to six months after finishing remedy
10. Childhood most cancers survivors have fertility points and can’t reproduce
NO, THEY CAN LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER AND HAVE A LOVELY FAMILY OF THEIR OWN. This can be mentioned intimately earlier than remedy begins.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com
