Battling Childhood Cancer: How We Can Strengthen Our Children’s Defense
Newz Daddy Healthcare Updates
Synopsis of the Content in Bullet Points:
- Childhood cancer is a growing global health issue, affecting over 200,000 children worldwide annually.
- In India, approximately 75,000 childhood cancer cases are registered each year, accounting for around 4% of all cancer cases.
- There is a lack of comprehensive studies examining environmental, lifestyle, and genetic risk factors for childhood cancers.
- The need for more research into genetic and environmental factors to improve treatment options is emphasized.
- Dr. Pooja Nandwani Patel recommends strengthening children’s immune systems from an early age to fight diseases.
- Environmental changes, poor dietary habits, and reduced physical activity are major contributors to rising cancer rates among children.
- Dr. Pooja highlights the importance of parents being emotionally and psychologically prepared in case of a cancer diagnosis.
- Dr. Manthan Merja stresses the need for collaboration among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the public to combat childhood cancer effectively.
- Dr. Deepa Trivedi emphasizes the need for educating children on healthy behaviors to prevent illness.
- The article advocates for a multifaceted approach, including preventive healthcare, emotional resilience, and healthy lifestyle promotion to address childhood cancer.
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Childhood cancer is a pressing global health issue that is affecting more and more children every year. Over 200,000 children around the world are diagnosed with cancer annually, and the numbers are expected to skyrocket, with projections suggesting as many as 21 million new diagnoses by 2030. In India alone, approximately 75,000 new childhood cancer cases are registered every year, a staggering number that calls for urgent attention.
While childhood cancers account for roughly 4% of all cancer cases in India, there is a significant gap in our understanding of what causes them. The National Cancer Registry Programme reports that cancers in children aged 0-14 are increasing, but unfortunately, we lack sufficient population-level studies that look into the environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors that might contribute to these diseases. There is a pressing need for more research into these factors so that better prevention strategies and treatments can be developed.
During a recent event called “Common Childhood Cancers: Realities & Myths,” Dr. Pooja Nandwani Patel, the Director of Oncology Radiation at Sterling Hospitals, addressed the growing concern around childhood cancer. She spoke passionately about the importance of building a child’s immune system from an early age to help them fight diseases. She explained that the immune system is the body’s first line of defense against infections and other diseases, including cancer. According to Dr. Pooja, strengthening a child’s immune system is one of the most effective ways to protect them against illnesses.
However, she also pointed out that modern life presents numerous challenges that can weaken children’s immune systems. Reduced physical activity, poor eating habits, and environmental changes all contribute to declining health among children. Dr. Pooja believes that parents must take proactive steps to ensure their children are as healthy as possible. This includes encouraging healthy eating, physical activity, and creating an environment that promotes good health. More importantly, she highlighted the emotional and psychological resilience needed if cancer is diagnosed, noting that cancer is treatable, but it requires strength, support, and willpower to overcome the pain of treatment.
Dr. Manthan Merja, a Senior Consultant in Surgical Oncology at Sterling Hospitals, echoed Dr. Pooja’s sentiment, stressing that tackling childhood cancer will require a collective effort from all sectors of society. He called for a collaborative approach between healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, and the general public. Dr. Merja believes that, much like the eradication of polio, we can make significant progress in reducing childhood cancer rates, but only if everyone takes responsibility.
This is not just a medical issue—it’s a societal one. Parents, caregivers, schools, and communities must work together to raise awareness about childhood cancer and its prevention. “It’s going to take all of us to ensure that every child receives the treatment and support they need to fight cancer,” Dr. Merja said during the event.
Dr. Deepa Trivedi, a Senior Consultant in Hemato-oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Sterling Hospitals, made an important point during the media event. She spoke about the importance of educating children on healthy behaviors to help prevent cancer. “Just like we teach children the difference between good and evil through stories and movies, we need to teach them the importance of healthy habits,” she said. Dr. Trivedi explained that building healthy practices such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and good hygiene can go a long way in preventing childhood cancer.
She also stressed the importance of building confidence in children so they can face illnesses, including cancer, with courage. This emotional and psychological preparedness is crucial in the fight against cancer. By equipping children with the right mindset and tools, we empower them to handle not just physical illnesses but also the emotional challenges that come with them.
Addressing the growing crisis of childhood cancer requires a multifaceted approach. Prevention is, of course, the first and most effective line of defense. Encouraging children to lead healthy, active lifestyles and eat nutritious foods is critical. Additionally, raising awareness about the environmental and genetic risk factors for childhood cancer will help identify at-risk populations and take preventive measures.
On top of that, emotional resilience is just as important. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the journey ahead can be emotionally and physically taxing, not just for the child but for their entire family. Building a strong support system is vital in ensuring the child remains optimistic and strong throughout the treatment process.
In summary, childhood cancer is not just a medical issue but a global challenge that requires the collaboration of healthcare professionals, parents, schools, and society at large. With the right preventive measures, emotional support, and education, we can ensure that more children lead healthy lives and that those diagnosed with cancer have a fighting chance. By focusing on strengthening the immune system, promoting healthy lifestyles, and raising awareness, we can make significant progress in the battle against childhood cancer.
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