Posts

Childhood Cancer Protection in 2025

-
Image
Childhood cancer is a big health problem worldwide, and Southeast Asia is working hard to improve protection, early detection, and treatment. In 2025, Thailand and its neighboring countries are making great progress to help children with cancer get better care. The Problem of Childhood Cancer in Southeast Asia Every year, around 400,000 children worldwide are diagnosed with cancer, and about 61,000 of these cases happen in Southeast Asia. Sadly, nearly 45% of children in this region do not survive because of late diagnoses, limited treatment options, and weak healthcare systems. In richer countries, more than 85% of children with cancer survive. But in Southeast Asia, many cases are not even diagnosed, meaning children don’t get the help they need. The most common childhood cancers in the region are: Leukemia (blood cancer) Brain tumors Lymphoma (cancer of the immune system)  Thailand’s Role in Fighting Childhood Cancer Thailand is a leader in healthcare and ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Should Governments invest more in Childhood cancer research?

-
Image
I believe that increasing government investment in childhood cancer research is essential for several reasons: 1. Unique Needs:  Childhood cancers differ biologically from adult cancers and often require distinct treatments and approaches. Increased funding can support specialized research, leading to better-targeted therapies and higher survival rates for children. 2. Limited Treatments:  Many treatments for children are adaptations of adult cancer therapies, which can cause severe long-term side effects in growing bodies. More research funding could lead to the development of treatments specifically designed for children, focusing on effectiveness and quality of life. 3. Improving Survival Rates:  While survival rates for many types of childhood cancer have improved, certain cancers still have poor prognoses. Increased research funding can help develop treatments for these challenging cases and drive advancements in early detection. 4. Reducing Long-Term Impacts:  ...
Post a Comment
Read more

September: Childhood Cancer and Hodgkin's Lymphoma Awareness Month

-
Image
  September holds special significance as it is dedicated to raising awareness about two critical health issues: Childhood Cancer and Hodgkin's Lymphoma. These are serious conditions that affect many families worldwide, and this month serves as an important time to educate, support, and advocate for those impacted by these diseases. Childhood Cancer Awareness Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death by disease in children and adolescents. Despite being relatively rare, it poses a significant threat to young lives. The most common types of childhood cancers include leukemia, brain tumors, and lymphomas. Unlike adult cancers, the causes of childhood cancer are often unknown, making prevention difficult. Why September Matters: 1.        Raising Awareness: By dedicating September to Childhood Cancer Awareness, we help bring attention to the struggles that young patients and their families face. Awareness leads to better understanding, more support...
Post a Comment
Location: 246 Soi Somdet Phra Chao Tak Sin 18, Khwaeng Bukkhalo, Khet Thon Buri, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10600, Thailand
Read more

Ways to support Childhood Cancer Patients

-
Image
  Hug Them: Hugs can provide emotional reassurance, comfort, and a sense of connection to childhood cancer patients. They remind patients that they’re not alone in their struggle. This contributes to the patient’s resilience and ability to cope with the stress of the disease and treatment.  For instance, the Hugs for Brady Foundation helps end pediatric cancer by funding advanced research, bringing joy to patients, helping families defray the cost of cancer treatments, and more. So, in a broader sense, “hugs” symbolize the comprehensive support system that aids in the fight against cancer. Cheer them up: Cheering up childhood cancer patients can have a significant positive impact on their emotional well-being. It can help them cope with the stress and anxiety associated with their illness and treatment. Positive emotions can also promote resilience, helping patients adjust better to the life changes brought about by their condition. Moreover, it can lead to a deeper appreciati...
Post a Comment
Read more

Childhood cancer misconceptions

-
Image
  Misconception: Childhood Cancer is Extremely Common Fact: Childhood cancer accounts for a mere fraction, or less than 1%, of total cancer cases. While the diagnosis can be wrenching for families, improvements in treatment allow most kids to survive their cancer in high income countries. However the survival rate in low income countries lies by around 30% only. Misconception: Childhood Cancer is Always Genetic or Environmental  Fact: Most people mistakenly believe that childhood cancer is due to genetics or environmental factors. Many childhood cancers arise due to genetic mutations or other non-contagious factors. Misconception: Childhood Cancer is Contagious Fact: Childhood cancer is not contagious. Believing in such myths perpetuates unwarranted fear and stigma. Understanding that cancer arises from genetic mutations or other non-contagious factors is essential for dispelling misconceptions surrounding the transmission of the disease. Misconception: Childho...
Post a Comment
Read more

Experiencing Childhood Cancer: A Journey Through Shadows

-
Image
  By Hermann Somchai Quint Introduction Childhood - a time of innocence, laughter, and boundless curiosity. Yet, what happens when this idyllic landscape is infiltrated by shadows? Childhood cancer, a cruel intruder, shatters innocence and leaves scars deeper than any playground wound. In this article, I will share firsthand experiences with childhood cancer and explore why its brutality remains unfathomable to those who haven't walked this difficult path. The Silent Onset Childhood cancer creeps into existence, often masked by seemingly trivial symptoms. Headaches, persistent pain, unexplained lumps - these are some of the early whispers of an unwelcome guest. Unlike adult cancers with known risk factors, childhood cancers often defy explanation. Genetic mutations play their mysterious game, and cells rebel against their intended purpose. The Battle Unseen Imagine a child’s body as a battlefield. Cells, once allies, turn into traitors. Leukemias, b...
Post a Comment
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Read more

Anxiety and Panic Attacks in Cancer Survivors

-
Image
Understanding the Emotional Obstacles Being a cancer survivor is a remarkable achievement, but it doesn’t come without its emotional challenges. Long after treatment ends, survivors often grapple with anxiety and distress. Let’s delve into this complex terrain, paying particular attention to the experiences of children who have battled cancer. 1. The Post-Treatment Transition When cancer treatment comes to an end, family and friends eagerly anticipate celebration. However, many survivors don’t feel ready to move forward. The shift from regular medical visits to less frequent check-ins can be unsettling. Suddenly, the safety net of healthcare providers feels distant, and anxiety levels rise unexpectedly.   2. The Fear of Recurrence Fear that cancer will return is a common source of distress. Survivors often experience “ scanxiety ” - a term coined by some to describe the anxiety surrounding follow-up scans. These scans become emotional roulette wheels, spinning us between hope and a...
Post a Comment
Read more