GLOBALLY, Cancer is a leading cause of death in children and adolescents. On a national level between 2019 and 2022 we have diagnosed 9 cases of childhood cancer in country. The most common types diagnosed being leukaemia and lymphomas. Unlike cancer in adults, the vast majority of childhood cancers do not have a known cause. Current data suggests a genetic predisposition in about 10% of the cases.
Unfortunately, the likelihood of surviving a diagnosis of childhood cancer depends on the country in which the child lives: in high-income more developed countries, more than 80% of children with cancer are cured, but in many low income less developed countries less than 30% are cured. The lower survival rates are due to reduced capacity of the healthcare system which leads to delays in diagnosis, inaccessible or expensive therapy, non- compliance to treatment, death from toxicity (side effects), and relapse.
Although very few cancers in children are caused by environmental or lifestyle factors, it is important to ensure optimal health in all children to improve their chances of survival. This includes healthy diets, regular exercise, full vaccination schedules and ensuring a safe low stress environment at home, school and in our communities. Cancer prevention efforts in children should also focus on behaviours that will prevent the child from developing preventable cancer as an adult.
When identified early, cancer is more likely to respond to effective treatment and result in a greater probability of survival, less suffering, and often less expensive and less intensive treatment. It is Communications on this subject should be addressed to: Permanent Secretary Sir Stanislaus James Building Waterfront, Castries Saint Lucia, West Indies important that parents and family members recognize the symptoms of childhood cancers. Childhood cancer is associated with a range of warning symptoms, such as fever, severe and persistent headaches, bone pain and weight loss, that can be detected by families and by trained primary health-care providers.
One of the most effective strategies to reduce the burden of cancer in children and improve outcomes is to focus on a prompt, correct diagnosis followed by effective, evidence-based therapy with tailored supportive care. This includes accurate and timely clinical evaluations, diagnosis, and staging and access to prompt care. Improving access to childhood cancer care, including to essential medicines and technologies, is highly cost effective, feasible and can improve survival in all settings. The Ministry continues to collaborate with external agencies Sick Kids and the French Health authorities to strengthen diagnosis and treatment.
The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs yesterday observed Childhood Cancer Day to educate families, raise awareness and provide support to our children who are affected.