The deputy director of treatment at Mahak Pediatric Cancer Hospital, while reviewing the current situation of pediatric cancer in the country, emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and improving access to standard treatments.
According to Radio Salamat Public Relations, Alireza Daneshgari, deputy director of treatment at Mahak Pediatric Cancer Hospital, stated that the most common types of cancer among Iranian children are leukemia, brain tumors, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, kidney cancer, eye tumors, and sarcomas, and said: The pattern of pediatric cancer in Iran has not changed significantly over the past 10 years and is almost similar to the global pattern.
He added: At Mahak Hospital, which is a referral center, brain tumors are treated more often, but in general, leukemia and brain tumors are still the most common cases.
Daneshgari, with the title that the increase in cases in recent years could be due to improved identification and referral systems, emphasized regarding the causes of the disease: The main cause of pediatric cancer is unknown, and genetic factors play a role in only 10 percent of cases. Environmental and genetic factors lead to cancer by causing changes in the genome of cells.
He continued: While in adults, environmental and social factors such as smoking, hot tea, chronic exposure to sunlight, changes in dietary patterns, and the transition from traditional to industrial life have a greater impact. Therefore, the main difference is that childhood cancer is less dependent on lifestyle and is more rooted in unknown or genetic factors.
Daneshgari added: The distribution of incidence varies depending on the type of cancer. For example, eye tumors are often seen at a young age and under one year old, leukemia and brain tumors are mainly seen at ages 1 to 10, and bone tumors are more common in those over 10.
*** Childhood cancer recovery rate
Daneshgari said: The percentage of children with cancer in the world depends on the welfare and economic level of countries; it varies from 20 percent in poor countries to 80 percent in developed countries. In Iran, the 5-year survival rate is on average 65 to 75 percent. Key factors affecting this rate include the child's age and gender, tumor type, time of diagnosis, access to treatment, and the family's cultural level.
Regarding the psychological aspects of children with cancer, he emphasized: They experience depression and anxiety, depending on their age and level of awareness. At Mahak Hospital, daily visits are made by psychological specialists to help children adapt.
Daneshgari added: Psychological support, family support, and professional interventions help children the most. Also, social stigma or excessive pity can damage children's morale, because a child aware of the disease needs real support to go through the treatment period.
