Photo credit: National Cancer Institute
By Anthony Ademiluyi
Childcare specialists are urging more proactive measures to curb and manage cancer in children, emphasizing that early detection and treatment are essential for favorable outcomes. Although cancer is often perceived as an adult disease, paediatricians note that children are also vulnerable, despite limited public knowledge about the condition in this region.
In an interview with HealthWise on the occasion of the 2023 World Health Organisation Day for International Childhood Cancer—observed each year on February 15 to raise awareness and support for young patients—Senior Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Olayinka Ibrahim of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital and Dr. Taofik Ogunkunle, Head of Department at Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia, Nasarawa State, discussed the issue.
Dr. Ibrahim identified several genetic factors that contribute to childhood cancer. He listed the most common types in Nigeria as leukaemia, lymphomas, retinoblastoma (eye cancer), nephroblastoma (kidney cancer), and bone cancers. While the exact causes of most cancers remain unknown, certain risk factors increase a child’s likelihood of developing the disease. Inherited genetic mutations are linked to retinoblastoma and nephroblastoma, a family history of cancer raises risk, and exposure to ionising radiation is another concern.
Regarding treatment, Dr. Ibrahim explained that childhood cancers follow the same standard protocols as adult cancers, with chemotherapy, surgery, and radiotherapy chosen based on the cancer type. He stressed that early detection is vital: “Children can overcome cancer if it is detected early and treated appropriately. Late presentation leads to poorer outcomes, so children with a family history of cancer should be screened regularly and avoid ionising radiation.”
Dr. Ogunkunle added that common paediatric cancers include leukaemias, lymphomas, nephroblastoma (Wilms tumour), brain tumours, retinoblastoma, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and bone cancers. He explained that cancer arises from genetic mutations that cause uncontrolled cell growth; these mutations may be inherited or acquired. Environmental factors such as heavy metals, radiation, certain infections, pesticides, and food preservatives can also trigger mutations.
He reiterated the importance of early diagnosis, noting that many childhood cancers are curable if caught before metastasis. Once the disease spreads to vital organs, prognosis worsens. Dr. Ogunkunle urged the public to adopt healthy eating habits and minimize harmful environmental exposures, recommending fresh foods over ultra‑processed fruits and vegetables.
A study published online by Nursing Answers supports these views, highlighting that early detection remains crucial for achieving a cure in children with cancer.
Comments are closed for this story.