Malang (malangkota.go.id) – Every February 15th is commemorated as World Childhood Cancer Day or International Childhood Cancer Day (ICCD). With this warning, it is hoped that the public can increase awareness of the dangers of cancer that can threaten the lives of children.
Pediatrician at the Hermatology-Oncology Division of SMF IKA Saiful Anwar Hospital (RSSA) Malang dr. Sony Wicaksono, Sp. A(K), M. Kes, said that based on WHO data in 2018, more than 300 thousand children and adolescents were diagnosed with cancer each year. Cancer is also the second highest cause of death in children.
"In Indonesia, there are eleven thousand new cases of childhood cancer. Even in the RSSA children's ward, there are many child patients being treated for cancer," he said as a resource person for the webinar 'Early Detection of Cancer in Children', Wednesday (15/2/2023).
dr. Sony said that some of the problems faced in cases of cancer in children are one of them is the delay in diagnosis. Often parents are not aware of the early signs and symptoms in children who have cancer until it is too late.
"Some cancer symptoms are the same as other diseases. Symptoms of childhood cancer are also not typical, making screening difficult," he said.
In addition, the high number of cancer cases in Indonesia is also caused by obstacles in access to care, limited diagnostic and treatment facilities, and high costs of cancer treatment. Another thing that needs attention is the high relapse and death rates from cancer in children with low survival rates.
"What is called childhood cancer is cancer in children under 18 years of age. There are indeed differences in characteristics between children and adults. In children, cancer is usually located in the tissue, while in adults it occurs in organs. At the time of diagnosis, 80 percent of childhood cancer has spread, while in adults cancer is generally still local or regional. Cancer screening in children is still difficult to do compared to adults," he explained again.
The pediatrician who is also the mentor of Sahabat Anak Kanker said that ten percent of childhood cancer cases are caused by genetic susceptibility. Meanwhile, environmental and lifestyle factors also influence the occurrence of cancer in children.
"Such as exposure to chemicals and drugs that are carcinogenic, exposure to radiation and cigarette smoke, lack of nutrition and physical activity, including obesity. Also biological factors such as viruses can also have an effect," he explained.
Citing data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health in 2018, Dr. Sony said that the highest incidence of childhood cancer in Indonesia was leukemia with a prevalence of 2,8 per 100 thousand children. Followed by retinoblastoma, osteosarcoma, malignant lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and neuroblastoma.
dr. Sony hopes that the public, especially parents, can recognize and be aware of several symptoms of cancer in children. Several symptoms can be early warning signs of cancer in children, including paleness, bruising, bleeding or the child is prone to bleeding. The presence of lumps is also the most common symptom. Other symptoms are prolonged fever and significant weight loss, an enlarged abdomen, eye abnormalities, headaches, and bone and/or joint pain.
If these symptoms are found, it is better to take steps to diagnose cancer in children immediately to a doctor or health facility. So that a series of examinations will be carried out, starting from physical examination, laboratory, imaging, histopathology, and others to confirm the diagnosis of cancer in children.
"Immediately take your child to the doctor if you find symptoms and clinical signs of cancer in your child. Parents can also do CERDIK (Regular health checks, Eliminate cigarette smoke, Diligently do physical activity/sports, Healthy and balanced diet, Get enough rest, and Manage stress) so that children can avoid cancer," he concluded. (ari/yon)
