Today, and every day, we stand with the children and families affected by childhood cancer.
Today, February 15th, is International Childhood Cancer Day, a day to raise awareness about childhood cancer and honour the children and families affected by it. On this day, we remember the importance of early detection and access to proper treatment. We also celebrate the bravery and strength of the children and families who face this disease with courage and resilience. Childhood cancer affects us all, and it takes a collective effort to improve the lives of those affected by it.
Every year, more than 400,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, and about 80,000 of them will not survive.
Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute is a world-class healthcare institution that offers top-quality care for children diagnosed with cancer and related blood disorders. The hospital’s paediatric department is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities to provide the best possible care and support to children and their families.
Cancer is a devastating disease that can affect people of all ages, including children. A pediatric cancer diagnosis can be particularly challenging, as it not only affects the child but also their families. That’s why at Basavatarakam Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care and support to both the child and their families throughout the treatment and recovery period.
Our team of experienced and highly skilled pediatric oncologists, nurses, and support staff work together to ensure that each child receives personalized and compassionate care. We understand that every child is unique and requires individualized treatment plans that cater to their specific needs. Our team works closely with parents and caregivers to create a treatment plan that is best suited to the child’s condition.
As a parent, receiving the news that your child has been diagnosed with cancer or a related blood disorder can be devastating. It is a difficult time for families, as they navigate through the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process. In such times, it is crucial to have access to world-class treatment infrastructure and facilities to ensure that your child receives the best possible care.
At Basavatarakam, we offer a range of services to help children and their families cope with the challenges of cancer. These include counselling, support groups, and financial assistance programs. We believe that it is essential to provide a holistic approach to care that addresses not only the physical but also the emotional and social well-being of our young patients.
In addition to our commitment to providing the best possible care, we are also dedicated to research and innovation. Our paediatric oncologists are actively involved in cutting-edge research and clinical trials. We use the latest technology and treatments available in the medical industry to provide the best care for our patients. Our treatment plans are personalized, and we take into account the individual needs of each patient, ensuring that our patients have access to the latest and most effective treatments available.
Our pediatric department also provides support for patients who are undergoing long-term treatments. We aim to make their hospital stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Our play area and toys are designed to provide a sense of normalcy.
We also provide education and awareness programs for families and communities to help them understand the importance of early detection, prevention, and treatment of childhood cancer and related blood disorders.
If you or someone you know has a child who has been diagnosed with cancer or a related blood disorder, we encourage you to reach out to us for support and care. Our team of professionals is ready to help you navigate this challenging journey and provide the care and support you need. Together, we can beat childhood cancer and related blood disorders, one child at a time.
Childhood cancer is a devastating illness that can be difficult to detect in its early stages. It is important for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to be aware of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer in order to diagnose and treat it as early as possible.
Here are some signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of childhood cancer:
- Unexplained weight loss: Children who are losing weight without any known cause could be a sign of cancer.
- Persistent fever: A fever that does not go away or keeps returning can be a symptom of some types of childhood cancer.
- Fatigue and weakness: Children with cancer often experience fatigue and weakness due to the illness.
- Pain: Children with cancer may experience pain in different parts of the body. The pain may be constant or come and go.
- Unexplained bruises or bleeding: Easy bruising or bleeding can be a sign of leukemia or other blood-related cancers.
- Swelling or lumps: Swelling or lumps in the abdomen, neck, or other parts of the body can be a sign of cancer.
- Changes in vision: Eye cancers can cause changes in vision, such as a white or grayish-white area in the pupil or a change in the shape of the pupil.
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits: Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation or frequent urination, can be a sign of cancer in the digestive system.
It is important to remember that many of these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses or conditions, but it is always better to get them checked out by a healthcare professional to rule out the possibility of cancer. Early detection and treatment can greatly improve the chances of a positive outcome for children with cancer.
Let us come together to support the organizations and individuals who work tirelessly to help children with cancer and their families. Let us raise our voices to advocate for better research, funding, and access to treatment. And most importantly, let us show our love and compassion to those who are fighting this disease, and to those who have lost their loved ones to it.
Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions about childhood cancer that can make the experience even more difficult. Here are some common myths and facts about childhood cancer:
Myth: Childhood cancer is rare.
Fact: Childhood cancer is more common than many people think. In fact, cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the United States.
Myth: Childhood cancer is caused by something the child or parents did.
Fact: The causes of childhood cancer are not fully understood, and in most cases, there is no known cause. It is not caused by anything the child or parents did.
Myth: Childhood cancer is contagious.
Fact: Childhood cancer is not contagious. It cannot be caught like a cold or the flu.
Myth: Childhood cancer is always fatal.
Fact: While some childhood cancers are difficult to treat and have a lower survival rate, many types of childhood cancer are treatable and curable. Early detection and treatment can greatly increase the chances of survival.
Myth: Childhood cancer is just like adult cancer.
Fact: Childhood cancer is different from adult cancer in many ways. For example, childhood cancers tend to respond better to treatment and children’s bodies can handle higher doses of chemotherapy than adults can.
Myth: Childhood cancer is only treated at specialized children’s hospitals.
Fact: While many children’s hospitals specialize in the treatment of childhood cancer, treatment can also be provided at general hospitals and cancer centers.
Myth: Childhood cancer survivors do not experience long-term side effects.
Fact: Many childhood cancer survivors experience long-term side effects from their treatment, including physical, emotional, and cognitive effects.
Myth: Childhood cancer research receives adequate funding.
Fact: Childhood cancer research is significantly underfunded compared to other types of cancer research. More funding is needed to develop new and more effective treatments for childhood cancer.
In summary, childhood cancer is more common than many people think, it is not caused by anything the child or parents did, it is not contagious, it is treatable and curable, and survivors can experience long-term side effects. More funding is needed for childhood cancer research to improve treatment and outcomes for children with cancer.
In conclusion, Basavatarakam Indo American Cancer Hospital & Research Institute is a world-class healthcare institution that provides top-quality care and support to children diagnosed with cancer and related blood disorders. We are committed to working closely with children and their families to ensure that they receive personalized and compassionate care throughout their treatment and recovery. With our state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities, experienced staff, and dedication to research and innovation, we strive to provide the best possible care to our young patients.