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| Alleviating the Global Challenge of Childhood Cancers: Discovering a Glimmer of Hope |
Every year, approximately 400,000 children across the globe are diagnosed with cancer, but shockingly, only half of them receive a proper diagnosis. The majority of these young patients reside in low- and middle-income countries, and tragically, only around 30 percent of them will ultimately survive. This dire situation is exacerbated by various factors, including malnutrition, frequent misdiagnoses, limited access to treatment, and a shortage of specialized healthcare professionals.
Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), addressed this pressing issue during the 67th regular session of the IAEA General Conference. She emphasized the IAEA's commitment to rectify this reality and provide the care that these suffering children rightfully deserve. Mokhtar highlighted the IAEA's utilization of scientific expertise, goodwill, and opportunities to strengthen the capabilities of its member states, offering them and their children a fighting chance against childhood cancer.
One compelling testimony of the impact of the IAEA's efforts came from Sidney Chahonyo, who, at the age of 19, faced a daunting battle with cancer. After experiencing persistent headaches, nosebleeds, and hearing loss, Chahonyo endured six frustrating months of misdiagnoses before finally being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. He immediately began treatment and is now a 37-year-old cancer survivor who advocates for change as the Executive Director of Hope for Cancer Kids, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancer in Kenya. Chahonyo's fervent wish is for every child worldwide to have the same opportunity he had to defeat cancer.
Disparities in access to vital radiotherapy treatment are stark, with high-income countries providing nearly universal access, middle-income countries reaching fewer than 60 percent of patients, and low-income countries offering this life-saving treatment to only one in ten individuals. The IAEA's flagship initiative, "Rays of Hope: Cancer Care for All," strives to bridge this gap by aiding the establishment and expansion of radiotherapy services worldwide.
The side event at the IAEA General Conference brought attention to the role of radiation medicine techniques and nutrition in managing childhood cancers. Medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children, served as a case study. Experts from the IAEA highlighted recent advancements in imaging, treatment, quality assurance, and nutritional support, all of which have improved survival rates and reduced the side effects endured by young patients.
Collaboration with organizations such as the WHO Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer, the Paediatric Radiation Oncology Society, and the EuroSafe Imaging Working Group on pediatric imaging has played a crucial role in advancing equitable cancer care for children. These organizations stressed the importance of maintaining both high-quality and continuous care.
Despite global progress, there remain significant challenges to address, including disparities in funding, equipment, infrastructure, education, training, and human resources among countries. However, there is a clear path forward with concrete steps that can be taken.
In closing, May Abdel-Wahab, Director of the IAEA’s Division of Human Health, underscored the importance of continued collaboration, scientific expertise, global commitment, and unwavering dedication to addressing these challenges and meeting the needs of children with cancer worldwide. Access to care for these young patients is not just a medical imperative but a moral one and a fundamental human right that must never be compromised.
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