By Hermann Somchai Quint
Introduction
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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, brain cancers, lymphomas - they wage war
within. Yet, these battles remain hidden. Childhood cancers lack the telltale
signs that adults face - no smoker's cough, no sun-damaged skin.
Instead, they masquerade as common ailments, delaying diagnosis and critical
treatment.
The Cost of Silence
In high-income countries, a glimmer of hope
exists. Comprehensive services, skilled doctors, and accessible treatments
raise survival rates above 80%. However, in low- and middle-income
countries (LMICs), silence amplifies the suffering. Less than 30% of children
survive. Why? The lack of early diagnosis, inaccessible treatment options,
inadequate healthcare systems, and the harsh side effects of treatment all
contribute. Silence steals lives.
The Unseen Heroes
Behind the scenes, parents become warriors. They
navigate hospital corridors, decipher medical jargon, and hold fragile hands.
Their tears fall silently, absorbed by hospital pillows. Siblings become secret
allies, masking their fears to shield their sick brother or sister. These
unsung heroes bear the weight of childhood cancer.
The Price of Hope
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battle the unseen enemy. But they extract
a toll. Toxicity ravages tiny bodies. Hair
falls like autumn leaves, after eating must
vomiting, a sore mouth and nausea becomes
a constant companion. Parents watch help-
lessly, torn between hope and despair.
Survival comes at a price - a childhood interrupted.
The Inexplicable
Relapse
Imagine victory—a child declared cancer-free. But
relapse, like a thief in the night, steals hope. Why? Science struggles
to understand. Cells mutate, treatment fails, and shadows return. Parents grapple with
questions—why my child? Why again? The brutality lies not only in the disease
but in its unpredictable twists.
The Call for
Awareness
Childhood cancer needs a spotlight. In LMICs, where
resources falter, children's lives are lost unseen. We must bridge gaps
- diagnosis, access, and affordability. The development of new, less dangerous
medicines should be promoted by governments. Everyone, not just the
privileged, deserves access to essential medicines Everyone, not just the
privileged, deserves access to essential medicines. Childhood cancer data systems must
track progress, driving quality care.
Conclusion
Childhood cancer—the silent storm that rages within. We
must listen, learn, and act! Let us tear down the veil, honor the unseen
heroes, and fight for a world where innocence triumphs over shadows. For every
child battling cancer, let our voices rise—a deafening chorus of hope
that drowns out childhood cancer.
Learn more
1 who.int 2 cancer.net 3 cancer.org 4 solvingkidscancer.org
Here are some
organizations dedicated to raising awareness about childhood cancer:
American Childhood Cancer
Organization (ACCO)
·
ACCO supports
families and children affected by childhood and adolescent cancer.
·
They provide
information, advocacy, and community support.
·
ACCO’s mission is
to ensure that no child fights cancer alone.
The Andrew McDonough B+
Foundation:
·
This foundation
offers financial and emotional support to families of children with cancer.
·
Their goal is to
ease the burden for families during challenging times.
Childhood Brain Tumor
Foundation:
·
A volunteer-run
organization that educates families about childhood brain tumors.
·
They also fund
scientific research to improve treatment options.
Childhood Cancer
International (CCI)
·
CCI represents 177
parent-led childhood cancer organizations in 90 countries.
·
Their mission is
to raise awareness, advocate for better care, and support families globally.
These organizations work
tirelessly to improve outcomes for children battling cancer. Their efforts span
research, support, and advocacy, ensuring that no child fights this battle
alone.
Here are some organizations in Thailand that work tirelessly to raise awareness about cancer:
National Cancer Institute
of Thailand:
·
This institute
plays a crucial role in cancer prevention, research, and treatment.
·
They provide
information, conduct awareness campaigns, and offer support to cancer patients
and their families.
Bangkok Breast Cancer
Support Group:
·
A volunteer-led
organization was established in 1999.
·
They provide
emotional support, share experiences, and raise awareness about breast cancer.
Chulabhorn Cancer Center:
·
A leading cancer
center in Thailand.
·
They focus on
research, treatment, and education related to cancer.
Arokhayasala at Kham
Pramong Temple:
·
Founded by
Buddhist monk Pra Ajarn Paponpat Jiradhammo, who cured himself of cancer.
·
Arokhayasala is
Thailand’s first traditional Thai medicine hospital dedicated to treating
cancer patients.
Cancer Anywhere:
·
Launched in 2021,
this health policy allows cancer patients to receive treatment at any hospital,
regardless of their registry.
·
It aims to improve
access to timely and quality care for cancer patients.
Cancer Network Foundation
/ Thai Cancer Society:
·
The foundation, registered
on March 26, 2020, advocates for cancer prevention, access to treatment, and
quality of life.
·
They organize
events where cancer survivors and parents exchange experiences.
·
Through their
cancer academy program, they provide knowledge and understanding about cancer
management.
The organizations mentioned above are real and actively contribute
to raising awareness about cancer in Thailand.
1 who.int
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