Children and cancer

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Today happens to be the day that many who have pledged their hair will go under the shaver to raise funds for the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS).

Despite not being an expert, the Eye thought it would be appropriate to touch a little on the topic, merely to create a little awareness on children and cancer.

The diagnosis of cancer in a child or teenager is definitely a devastating blow to parents and family members, and basically changes the lives of these families drastically.

Often times we think that it is unjust for young and innocent children to have terminal illnesses, particularly when they have just come into this world with their whole lives ahead of them.

Many parents find it hard to accept that cancer can occur in young children and constantly ask why such a fate has befallen their families.

Some, not finding the answer that they seek, end up blaming themselves for their children having cancer. Some take it out on the higher power, while others find refuge in simply accepting it as ‘fate’.

The Eye recently came across an article in the Medscape weekly review, written by Dr John M Maris, the chief of the Division of Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he attempts to explain in simple terms why cancer can occur in children.

According to Dr Maris (and much supporting research carried out over the years), there is usually a genetic component to all sorts of cancers.

Sometimes, cancer in children occurs because there is a hereditary predisposition, where someone in the child’s family – it can even be an aunt or an uncle, had suffered from cancer at an early age.

Childhood cancers can also occur suddenly and without early symptoms. But if detected in its early stages, can have a high rate of cure.

The most common children’s cancer is leukaemia. Other cancers that affect children include brain tumours, lymphoma, and soft tissue sarcoma.

Sometimes it takes a while for doctors to figure out that a child has cancer because symptoms such as weight loss, fevers, swollen glands are also usually seen in less serious childhood illnesses, like a flu bug or an infection.

Dr Maris stated that it is important for parents themselves to be aware of their families’ health history and inform their physicians, to enable proper diagnosis.

There are several kinds of treatment for cancer – surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Some types of cancers may involve a combination of all these treatments.

Treatment itself can be a pretty traumatic experience for both the parents and the child as the child will experience side effects such as loss of appetite, tiredness, hair loss, skin irritation or vomiting.

Some parents will find it extremely difficult and painful to explain to their young children the reason that they are feeling pain and are unable to play like normal children.

On top of the medical treatments, it is vital that the parents and the child get a lot of emotional support from family, friends and experts. Usually the oncology unit will provide counselling as part of the overall treatment process.

It can also be helpful for these parents and children to reach out to those who are going through similar challenges, through the SCCS.

As part of a larger society and having been blessed with good health, we can also give a helping hand to these children by supporting causes for child cancer sufferers such as the one being held today, or simply by calling the SCCS on 012-8073131 to find out how we can contribute.

Comments can reach the writer via [email protected].