Prevention is the most important long-term strategy for reducing the incidence of childhood cancer and death, the Institute of Public Health emphasized on the occasion of February 15 - International Day of Children with Malignant Diseases.
They said that malignant neoplasms that occur in childhood represent a national and global public health priority, so the celebration of the International Day of Children with Malignant Diseases aims to express the need for joint efforts by the entire public to improve treatment and care, quality of life, and emotional and social needs of children with malignant neoplasms.
In addition, they add, the date draws attention to the need for support for families who have children with cancer.
"In support of the International Day of Children with Malignant Diseases, a symbol of the fight against cancer among children was designed, in the form of a gold ribbon. The idea originated in 1997 in the United States, at the initiative of a group of parents who pointed out the need to create a universal symbol and mobilize greater attention aimed at reducing mortality and disability due to cancer in children. The color gold is intended to emphasize the invaluable value of a child's life. In addition, experience has shown that children on the path they take in the fight against cancer, just like gold that undergoes the process of processing and melting, become stronger and more powerful. These little heroes face the painful challenges and difficulties that this disease brings, and this helps them to be stronger, braver and more resilient," the statement reads.
The three-year campaign cycle (2024-2026), as stated by the Institute, aims to address the challenges faced by childhood cancer patients, their caregivers, and healthcare professionals around the world.
"World Health Organization data shows that each year, around 400.000 diagnoses of malignant neoplasms are made in children aged 0-19. In low- and middle-income countries, the cure rate is less than 30 percent. This data is in significant contrast to highly developed countries, where the cure rate for many common malignant neoplasms in children exceeds 80 percent," writes the IJZCG.
The World Health Organization (WHO), they remind, has defined a basic goal by 2030, which is to eliminate pain and suffering in children and their families, as well as to achieve a survival rate of at least 60 percent for all children with cancer worldwide. They point out that this represents a doubling of the current survival rate, which will save approximately one million children's lives in the next decade.
"According to the IARC (WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer) estimate for 2020, the number of children (0-19 years old) suffering from cancer in Montenegro is 23. The most common diagnoses of malignant neoplasms in children and adolescents (0-19) in Montenegro were leukemia, followed by malignant brain neoplasms and lymphomas," states the IJZCG.
Early symptoms and signs
They note that early recognition of symptoms and signs allows for timely diagnosis and initiation of therapy, which will positively impact longer survival and improve the quality of life of children and adolescents.
It is necessary to pay attention to the following signs and symptoms: nodules, especially painless, without fever and other signs of infection, in the head and neck area, abdomen and pelvis, limbs, testicles; unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, pallor, bruising, bleeding; persistent and recurring fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, night sweats; eye changes, vision loss, white pupil, new squint, bulging eyeball; headache, especially if unusual, severe and persistent; bone and joint pain; dizziness, loss of balance and coordination, change or worsening of gait.
If parents notice any of the signs and symptoms, they should seek professional medical help to be referred to appropriate places for further healthcare procedures.
The International Day of Childhood Cancer, the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro points out, also aims to highlight the importance of prevention, as the most important long-term strategy for reducing the incidence of childhood cancer and death.
How to reduce the risk of cancer?
Healthy lifestyle habits during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence significantly reduce the risk of cancer.
Do not use tobacco products during pregnancy and at home, to avoid passive exposure of children to the harmful effects of smoke from tobacco products.
During the summer, protect children's skin from sunburn, use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 throughout the day, and wear a hat or cap that protects the face. Avoid sun exposure and sunbathing during the hottest part of the day.
Children should eat a variety of foods with plenty of fiber, fruits, and vegetables, and avoid processed meats, foods high in salt, and sugary drinks, such as sodas. A healthy diet helps strengthen the body's immune system.
An active lifestyle, regular physical activity during the period of growth and development, reduces the risk of certain malignant neoplasms and, along with proper nutrition, enables the maintenance of normal body weight. Obesity is associated with the development of certain malignant neoplasms.
Reduce children's exposure to household cleaning chemicals, paints, and other products by keeping them in a safe place, out of the reach of children.
Limit harmful alcohol use during pregnancy.
Protect yourself from certain types of infections that increase the risk of cancer (hepatitis viruses: HBV, HCV, human papillomavirus – HPV, Helicobacter pylori). There are vaccines that protect against these viruses and are part of the vaccination calendar – Hepatitis B for newborns and HPV vaccine for girls.
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