Dr. Buddhika Somawardana
The Sri Lanka College of Oncologists (SLCO) says that around 1,000 children less than 19 years of age are diagnosed with cancer each year in Sri Lanka.
A communique issued by the SLCO President Consultant Clinical Oncologist Umagowry Sarawanamuttu and SLCO Secretary Consultant Haemato-Oncologist Dr. Buddhika Somawardana said that the most childhood cancers are curable if detected early and appropriate treatment is given.
According to the experts, childhood cancer cannot be prevented most often since they occur due to random chance. As a result of that, the early detection and proper treatment would minimize the burden of childhood cancer.
“The SLCO has identified childhood cancer as a priority area and has launched several activities to improve these children’s outcomes. Foremost among them is acting as a main implementing partner of the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer in Sri Lanka. During the economic crisis, SLCO organised a scheme where donors adapted families to provide financial support during their treatment period.” the communique said.
This year, SLCO and the Lions Club International have also organised an art exhibition to mark the International Childhood Cancer Day 2024 which falls on February 15 each year.
As per the communique, February 15th is designated as World Childhood Cancer Day to celebrate the efforts of the little heroes who have successfully beaten this disease, appreciate parents and other caregivers’ selfless efforts in support of these children and remember the little children who are no longer with us after being diagnosed with this dreaded illness.
This day also provides an opportunity to appreciate all health workers who are tirelessly working towards improving childhood cancer outcomes.
According to the consultant oncologists, commonly seen childhood cancers are leukaemia (Blood cancer), lymphoma (cancer of lymph nodes), CNS tumours (brain cancer), neuroblastoma (Adrenal gland cancers), Bone cancer etc.
Signs and symptoms of these cancers are:
1. Leukaemia – Prolonged fever, bleeding from gums, skin rashes, severe pain in
limbs, looking pale, swelling of lymph glands, etc.
2. Lymphoma – Swelling of lymph glands, night fever, abdominal swelling.
3. Brain tumours – Headache, vomiting early morning, poor coordination of arms and legs, deteriorating school performance, seizures.
4. Bone cancers – Swelling and pain near bones of arms and legs, restriction of movement of limbs, fractures after minor trauma.
5. Non-specific symptoms could be reduced activity levels, off feeds for a long time, recent onset inadequate weight gain, etc.
Although we have to look out for these signs and symptoms, one or two of such features can be seen in healthy children and with benign illnesses. Therefore, what’s important is, if there are any concerns, to seek a suitable medical opinion and not panic unnecessarily.
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, it’s not only the child who is impacted but also the entire family and the loved ones. Several organisations are working closely with the Apeksha Hospital to mitigate this burden.
Yet, there is still a role for the wider society to play in this regard. It can be by helping with the household activities of these families, looking after other siblings, supporting them financially or simply being there to listen to their concerns and fears.
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