• The World Health Organisation warns that cancer is a leading cause of death for children and adolescents
• Globocan estimates that in Kenya, there are about 3,000 new cases of childhood cancer diagnosed each year
Only two in every 10 children diagnosed with cancer in Kenya survive compared to eight in 10 among their counterparts in developed countries.
This means that the likelihood of surviving a diagnosis of childhood cancer depends on the country in which the child lives.
The most common types of cancer diagnosed in children aged below 14 years are leukemias, brain and other central nervous system (CNS) tumors, and lymphomas.
The World Health Organisation warns that cancer is a leading cause of death for children and adolescents.
Globocan estimates that in Kenya, there are about 3,000 new cases of childhood cancer diagnosed each year.
However, these numbers are likely underestimates due to inadequate reporting of cases to the national cancer registries.
Experts from the University of Nairobi on the other hand have raised concern that many children with cancer are often misdiagnosed as other conditions that present with clinical symptoms and signs that are similar to those of childhood cancers.
But what exactly causes cancer in children?
You can suspect your child might be having cancer if they exhibit a range of warning symptoms, such as fever, severe and persistent headaches, bone pain and weight loss.
Unlike cancer in adults, the vast majority of childhood cancers do not have a known cause.
“Many studies have sought to identify the causes of childhood cancer, but very few cancers in children are caused by environmental or lifestyle factors,” the WHO says.
“Cancer prevention efforts in children should focus on behaviours that will prevent the child from developing preventable cancer as an adult,” it adds.
However, the Global Health Agency says that current data suggest that approximately 10 per cent of all children with cancer have a predisposition because of genetic factors.
Some chronic infections, such as HIV, and malaria are also risk factors for childhood cancer.
Due to this, parents are urged to ensure their children are vaccinated against hepatitis B to help prevent liver cancer and against human papillomavirus to help prevent cervical cancer.
“However, it is important to pursue other methods such as early detection and treatment of chronic infections that can lead to cancer,” WHO advises.
Since preventing cancer in children is not possible, experts call for prompt, correct diagnosis followed by effective, evidence-based therapy with tailored supportive care.
Early diagnosis will mean a greater probability of survival, less suffering, and often less expensive and less intensive treatment.
September is the Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
The month aims to generate awareness and support for children suffering from cancer.