Every year, around 42 new cases of cancer or leukaemia affecting children and teenagers under the age of 19 are diagnosed in Cyprus, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, Pediatric Oncology/Hematology/Immunology at the Medical School of the University of Nicosia, Loizos Loizou told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA)
Loizou stressed that in most instances, the disease can be successfully treated.
Speaking to CNA on Friday, Professor Loizou highlighted that the majority of new cases are related to acute leukaemia, lymphoma, sarcoma, or tumours affecting various organs such as bones, kidneys and liver, among others.
Globally, approximately 400,000 new cases of cancer and leukaemia are diagnosed in children and teenagers every year, but the actual figure is likely higher, as many countries fail to diagnose or document many childhood cancers.
Dr. Loizou underscored that cancer and leukaemia rank as the second most common cause of death in children after accidents, making them the primary cause of death among children due to illness. He noted that the causes of cancer in children are not well understood, with hereditary factors accounting for only 5% to 10% of cases.
According to the professor, cancers affecting children differ from those seen in adults, requiring different treatment approaches. While prevention strategies are limited for children, they play a crucial role in adult cancer management. Nevertheless, Dr. Loizou pointed out that children have a significantly higher chance of full recovery with appropriate treatment, compared to adults.
Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment significantly increase the likelihood of recovery in children, with developed countries achieving over 80% full recovery rates for childhood cancer and leukaemia cases.
Dr. Loizou also highlighted the emotional challenges faced by both the child and the family upon receiving a cancer diagnosis, describing it as “one of the worst experiences one can go through” for a parent.
In Cyprus, a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and specialists at the Makarios Hospital’s Paediatric Haematology and Oncology unit provide support to families and patients, offering comfort, guidance, advice, and the best available options for diagnosis and treatment.
