The article highlights the need for early diagnosis of childhood cancer in Ecuador, where annual new cases are significant yet many are diagnosed at advanced stages.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, approximately 30,000 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer annually, with nearly 10,000 succumbing to the disease, according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). In Ecuador, the Global Cancer Observatory (Globocan) estimates about 1,027 new cases of childhood cancer among those aged 0 to 19 each year, with 30% of these cases treated at Solca Guayaquil. The urgency of addressing this health issue is underscored by the high numbers of affected individuals and the need for timely intervention.
Luis Espín, head of the Pediatric Oncology service at Solca, emphasizes that unlike adult cancers, childhood cancers are not preventable, making early diagnosis crucial. Statistical data indicates that 80% of pediatric cancers are curable when detected at early stages. However, Espín raises a significant concern that half of the cases arriving at Solca are already in advanced stages, limiting treatment options and chances of recovery. This highlights a critical gap in healthcare that can result in tragic outcomes for young patients.
On International Childhood Cancer Day, Espín urges for increased awareness and rapid diagnostic measures. His call to action intends to improve early detection rates, thereby enhancing treatment success and reducing the childhood cancer mortality rate in Ecuador. Given the statistics and the expert's insights, strengthening healthcare practices to prioritize early oncology interventions may prove vital in addressing the rising concerns of childhood cancer.
