Close to 90 per cent of the cancers among children are curable, which makes it very important for parents to watch out for symptoms and approach a doctor at the right time, cancer specialists on Wednesday said.
The doctors maintained that unlike adults, children can tolerate and respond very well to cancer treatment, thus increasing their chances of getting cured and eventually leading a quality life.
“We were shocked when we realised that my four-year-old son Rayan had leukaemia. After the initial shock, we started exploring for treatment and met doctors. Now, after undergoing treatment, my son is absolutely normal and leads a quality life like any other child of his age and he has started going to school. My advice to parents is to be quick in spotting symptoms and take children to the experts,” said Jayad Ritchie, father of the four-year-old.
Nearly 150 such young children who have survived cancer were part of the ‘Child Cancer Survivors-The Real Stars’ programme, organised by Apollo Hospitals on the eve of Children’s Day. The children, who participated in painting competitions and dance performance, also got an opportunity to interact with tennis ace Sania Mirza.
General symptoms
“The general symptoms among children for leukaemia, tumours and bran cancers are prolonged illness, anaemia, bleeding, swelling, pain, headaches, vomiting, lack of appetite and a general lack of interest. Parents have to watch out for signs like disinterest in playing, eating and lethargy,” said senior oncologist, Apollo Hospitals, Dr. S.V.S.S. Prasad.
